'I've never known anything like it'
John Barnes admits he has never known a team to have been as unfortunate in front of goal as Liverpool have this season – but he's confident the goals will soon start to flow for the Reds.
Dirk Kuyt and Jordan Henderson both struck the woodwork against West Bromwich Albion on Sunday, meaning Kenny Dalglish's side have hit either the post or bar 30 times this season - more than any other side.
Barnes, however, believes Liverpool can take some encouragement from the fact they are regularly creating chances - and he expects the Reds to start hitting the back of the net more consistently next term.
The Anfield legend told Liverpoolfc.tv: "It's incredible. In every game they have played this season, they have come close. If the goals were maybe six inches bigger, then we'd win the league!
"I haven't seen anything like it before, but it's part of football.
"While it hasn't happened for Liverpool this year, next year I am hopeful they will convert a much larger percentage of the chances.
"The longer you go hitting the post and missing opportunities, you see players snatching at chances. But as I said, the pleasing thing is they are still creating chances. The players are good enough, we just need to add a little bit more composure in front of goal to our game. The goals will come."
Liverpool were again left frustrated in front of goal against West Brom as they ultimately slipped to a 1-0 defeat at Anfield.
Barnes added: "It was symptomatic of Liverpool's season. They have not been playing badly, they have created more chances than most teams in the Premier League and have hit the post more than anybody.
"We just need to be a bit more clinical and composed in front of goal, but we've played okay and created chances.
"When you don't take your chances, you always leave yourself open to making a mistake and losing the game, as happened against West Brom.
"But if we can create as many chances next season, we'll definitely score more goals."
Meanwhile, Barnes believes Liverpool will be determined to claim six points from their next two matches ahead of the FA Cup final with Chelsea.
The Reds face Norwich City at Carrow Road on Saturday before hosting Fulham at Anfield, and the club's former wing wizard feels the players will have a point to prove ahead of the Wembley showpiece.
He said: "All games are important because you can't turn it on and off. You can't say it doesn't matter and just look forward to the Cup final.
"In every game you play, you have to give 100 per cent and put on a fantastic performance that will lead you onto the next game, so they're vitally important. To go into the Cup final with confidence, it's important you've played well in these next two games.
"I've stopped predicting how games are going to go because the Premier League is so unpredictable! But I know Liverpool will be going all out because the players have Cup final places to play for. The players will have something to prove."
Barnes continued: "Norwich are playing with confidence and are relaxed because they know they are not going to be relegated. But if Liverpool can play like they can, they should get a positive result."