remain competitive at the top end of the table. In effect, they have undermined their own aspirations by a fatal flaw with an ongoing lack of ruthlessness in front of goal costing them the points they needed to rise up the league. As frustrating as this failing undoubtedly is -- and every game in which it is repeated feels that little bit more excruciating -- there is a degree of consolation in that Liverpool are not a team riddled with faults, they are a side with a major one and that makes it easier for it to be corrected. If they were being dominated by opponents on a regular basis, struggling to create chances and lacking creativity then writing them off would be justified. The hallmarks of a poor team are easy to identify and anyone who has regularly watched Liverpool this season would struggle to attach them to Dalglish's side. There are weaknesses and areas that could be improved upon. Last summer's signings, in particular, are yet to convince that they have sufficient quality to make a significant positive difference and the jury will continue to be out on them until and unless they prove good enough for Liverpool. But, and this is a big but, whatever the shortcomings that have been displayed, it is hard to recall too many games this season when Liverpool were not the better side, let alone ones in which they have been made to look second rate. Away from home, Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester