Liverpool FC: The Biggest Obstacle in the Way of Fourth Place Is Themselves

Liverpool's unlucky start to this year's Barclays Premier League has been well documented thus far, as the Reds have hit the woodwork more than any other top-flight side.

However Kenny Dalglish's side seemed to have learned their lesson against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, as they converted all shots into goals.

It was this clinical finishing that ultimately handed all points to Liverpool and propelled them up the table in a game they could not afford to lose. It is this clinical mindset that must remain intact if Liverpool are to compete in next year's Champions League.

Liverpool now sit three points behind fourth-place Newcastle and are level with London rivals Chelsea and Arsenal, with 22 points.

Poor finishing cost Liverpool two points against Norwich and Swansea, games that the Reds should be winning.

In fact, Liverpool have a rather perplexing dilemma. They struggle against so-called "weaker" sides, but they tend to do well against "bigger" sides.

Unfortunately, there are five so-called "big" clubs and fourteen "smaller" clubs.

Beating the small club—it's been an almost comical issue at times, as Liverpool fail to beat smaller sides time and time again.

It's not build-up play that is lacking; it's the finishing.

Kenny Dalglish must drum into his players that when you get a clear-cut chance, you take it—at least once a game.

The top four has been made that little bit tougher to break into with the emergence of Manchester City and Tottenham, so home draws must become less frequent if Liverpool are to finish in the Champions League spots.

Ironically, it was home draws that cost Liverpool the title in the 2008-09 season.