Liverpool Legend: That’s How Gutted I Was

Liverpool legend John Aldridge admits the club's recent draw against Blackburn felt as if it were a defeat against their bitterest rivals Manchester United.

The former Anfield star believes Liverpool's woes in front of goal is now seriously undermining their efforts to finish inside the Champions League places this season. The draw against Blackburn was once again characterised by a "lack of ruthlessness in front of goal" and although Kenny Dalglish has regularly suggested the club's fortunes will soon change, Aldridge believes there is a wider issue at hand.

The ex-Liverpool striker believes Dalglish's side cannot continue to laud the heroics of opposition's goalkeepers anymore and instead must focus on becoming more clinical.

Liverpool have only scored 21 goals in the Premier League this season and Aldridge suggests their lack of goals is seriously hampering Kenny Dalglish's project at Anfield.

"FOR weeks now we've been joking about our lack of ruthlessness in front of goal, we've smiled about opposition goalkeepers enjoying outstanding matches whenever they come to Anfield and we've shrugged our shoulders at the latest dropped points at Fortress Anfield." The Liverpool icon told the Liverpool Echo.

"But not after Monday. Not after Blackburn Rovers followed Norwich City, Swansea, Sunderland, Manchester City and Manchester United as the latest team to be outplayed at Anfield yet escape with a draw.

"It's no laughing matter anymore. It's now become a serious problem because any hopes we had of claiming a top four place look like being compromised by our inability to finish off chances."

The Liverpool legend continued: "Speaking as a goalscorer I've been pulling my hair out in despair. I left Anfield on Boxing Night feeling like we'd just lost at home to Manchester United, that's how gutted I was.

Liverpool have not been helped by some inspired goalkeeping from the opposition, but Aldridge believes that is no longer a valid excuse.

"We just can't keep on blaming missed chances or inspired goalkeeping, we need to sort it out quickly. The strange thing is that we have forward players capable of providing a goalscoring solution." Aldridge continued.

"But they are not doing it often enough - and that includes Luis Suarez." The former Liverpool striker concluded.

Liverpool are currently in sixth place in the Premier League, just three places off Chelsea, who are in fourth.