Suarez fails to inspire as Liverpool draw with Wigan

Luis Suarez was unable to inspire Liverpool to victory at the end of a turbulent 24 hours for the Uruguay striker as Charlie Adam missed a penalty in a 0-0 draw at Wigan on Wednesday.

Kenny Dalglish's side had to settle for a point after Ali Al Habsi's stunning second-half penalty save from Adam denied the visitors an eighth victory in nine away games.

Suarez is still coming to terms with his unprecedented eight-match ban and a £40,000 fine after being found guilty of racially abusing Manchester United's Patrice Evra at Anfield in October.

With his agent confirming during the game that he will appeal the controversial Football Association suspension, Suarez put in an impressive display, earning Liverpool's spot kick with an overhead kick which was handled by Wigan defender Gary Caldwell.

Unfortunately for the visitors, the excellent Al Habsi was up to the test, beating out Adam's well-struck 51st-minute effort with a firm right hand as he dived to his left to earn a deserved share of the spoils for Roberto Martinez's side.

However, despite the point they nevertheless remain in the bottom three despite a first clean sheet in 15 games.

The Liverpool squad - including manager Kenny Dalglish and Suarez - warmed up pre-kick-off wearing t-shirts emblazoned with his number seven.

This after leaving fans in little doubt of their support for their troubled team-mate, when issuing a strongly-worded statement on the club's website backing the South American in the wake of the disputed FA ruling.

The visitors dominated the opening half hour and it appeared only a matter of time before they would break the deadlock.

Al Habsi had an early warning of what was to come when he beat out a firm 15-yard drive from Jordan Henderson as the midfielder latched onto an inviting cut-back from Stewart Downing.

Downing was again the supply line as Al Habsi was forced to save low to his left by Dirk Kuyt's first-time snap shot from close range, the Dutchman continuing his wait for a 50th Premier League.

Al Habsi then excelled with a fine save using his feet to block Glen Johnson's low drive.

Wigan, who held Chelsea to a draw in the last home game, retained their composure in face of the onslaught, and eventually began to pose questions for Dalglish's side.

Most of their best moments before the break were created by the incisive runs of Victor Moses.

The speedy young winger had an early penalty shout turned down when he tumbled under a challenge from Daniel Agger.

Moses produced a stunning 60-yard run past three defenders before unleashing a fierce shot which was hastily beaten out by Reina.

Mohamed Diame followed suit, sending Reina scrambling with an ambitious angled 30-yard drive into the side-netting.

Al Habsi tipped over a curling 20-yard free-kick from Suarez in the second half, while Martin Skrtel should have done better when heading over from Jose Enrique's cross.

Kuyt continued a night to forget, volleying over from close range as he met Adam's quick free-kick.

Wigan almost stole it at the death, Moses prodding a weak shot against the outside of the post as Liverpool failed to clear a corner, the visitors having to settle for a point that sees them remain in sixth place.