Steven Gerrard admits Liverpool will struggle to compete for the Premier League title for as long as they continue to drop points.

The Reds have put themselves back in contention for a top-four finish this season, but there is a sizeable 19-point gap separating them from table-topping Manchester City.

Kenny Dalglish's side would have been a lot closer had they not dropped 14 points at Anfield.

They are still unbeaten on home soil this term, but seven draws have hindered their progress.

Gerrard concedes that any side harbouring ambitions of landing the top-flight rown cannot afford to let so many points slip.

He is hoping the Reds can start to turn the tide against Tottenham on Monday, with Dalglish having made it clear that he will not accept any more below-par performances.

"When he comes out after the performance like the one against Bolton and criticises you, you have to be big enough to take it on the chin and react," Gerrard told the Daily Star Sunday.

"He was justified in what he said. Performances like that are not acceptable and that's the reason we're not in the title race at the moment - because of the slip-ups against teams we should have beaten.

"We've had too many draws at home - and we won't get involved or win the league until we manage to overcome dropping points against these sort of teams."

He added: "We're obviously not performing against those sides like we do in the big games.

"Maybe it's a mental thing, where we just think we need to turn up. We've certainly got the players in the squad capable of getting involved in the title race."

While Liverpool have been frustrated in the league this season, they have made it to the Carling Cup final - with a Wembley date with Cardiff booked for 26th February.

"It's fantastic to reach the Carling Cup final at Wembley," said Gerrard.

"Hopefully, we can win it and the top four's still achievable."