Jamie Carragher has warned of the dangers to Liverpool's bid for Champions League qualification following their stalemate with Stoke City at Anfield.
The goalless draw with the Potters was a seventh on home soil for the Reds this season and has seen the gap between themselves and fourth-placed Chelsea extended to five points.
Newcastle's win over Queens Park Rangers this afternoon has pushed Kenny Dalglish's side down to seventh in the Premier League table amid concerns that Liverpool's bid will fall short.
And Carragher, who made his first league start since October yesterday, admits that their inability to break down several opponents could cost them dear in the season run-in.
He said: "It wasn't the result that we wanted but Stoke are a tough nut to crack and they have proved that a lot of times this season.
"They have got a very strong back four and unfortunately we couldn't break them down. It's been a problem a few times at Anfield this season.
"We need to sort that out before the end of the season if we want to get to where want to be, which is obviously the top four."
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