Murphy rescues Liverpool

Murphy (r) equalised with 20 minutes to go

Liverpool 1-1 Leeds

Danny Murphy scored a second-half equaliser to give Liverpool a share of the points at home to Leeds.

But their delight was tempered by concerns surrounding the health of Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier, who was taken to hospital at half-time after complaining of chest pains.

Houllier was checked by club doctor Mark Waller before being taken away in an ambulance.

Liverpool's players remained unaware of the unfolding drama, although they seemed to have been driven on by something said at half-time.

I'm disappointed that we haven't won the game. It was a lack of concentration

David O'Leary

The Yorkshire side had the better of the first half and took the lead through Harry Kewell after Liverpool failed to clear a cross.

But the hosts produced a much-improved performance after the break and secured a deserved equaliser when Robbie Fowler chipped against the bar and Murphy followed up.

Leeds ended the match the stronger, but a point was enough to make sure they stay top of the Premiership no matter what happens for the rest of the weekend.

Leeds opened the scoring after 26 minutes when Rio Ferdinand flipped the ball back into the middle after a corner and Gary McAllister's weak header landed at the feet of Kewell.

The Australian got a good connection, but it needed a double deflection to make sure it flew past the stranded Jerzy Dudek.

John Arne Riise tangles with Mark Viduka

The Anfield crowd only came to life when Danny Mills controversially carried on playing after Kewell fell to the ground injured.

Mills' team-mates were gesturing to him to put the ball out and Liverpool stopped in expectation.

However, the full back carried on and an angry Steven Gerrard fouled him just outside the area.

To the Kop's delight the free-kick came to nothing.

Liverpool brought on Jari Litmanen for the hobbling Heskey and pushed Stephen Gerrard into the centre of midfield for the second half, and began to look more threatening.

The hosts equalised with just over 20 minutes to go after a moment of sublime skill from the previously anonymous Fowler.

I thought it was a fantastic performance after being one down

Phil Thompson

The Liverpool striker picked the ball up on the edge of the area and, in one movement, spun and chipped the ball over the despairing Martyn.

The ball bounced off the bar, but Murphy followed up and headed the hosts level.

Leeds came desperately close to re-taking the lead within 60 seconds but Dudek just deflected Robbie Keane's shot wide of the post.

Leeds finished the stronger, with Kewell shooting just wide after a fine run and Bowyer volleying over in injury time, but a point apiece was a fair result.

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Liverpool: Dudek, Carragher, Henchoz, Hyypia, Riise, Murphy, McAllister, Gerrard, Smicer, Fowler, Heskey. Subs: Redknapp, Barmby, Kirkland, Wright, Litmanen.

Leeds: Martyn, Mills, Matteo, Ferdinand, Harte, Bakke, Dacourt, Bowyer, Kewell, Keane, Viduka. Subs: Kelly, Woodgate, Robinson, Smith, Batty.

Referee: A Wiley (Burntwood).