Blackburn Rovers defender Chris Samba has delivered a sorry indictment of Liverpool's woes this season - claiming they are 'easy' to defend against and 'not as good' Chelsea and Manchester United!

Samba, 25, has also expressed his 'disappointment' that Sam Allardyce's men failed to pick up all three points against the Reds on Saturday after a dull 90 minutes finished 0-0 at Ewood Park.

The centre-back said: "It's easier defending against Liverpool this season than in previous ones.

"They didn't impress me as much as Chelsea and Manchester United especially. I don't think they are as good as them now.

"In a way it's a good point but we're a bit disappointed not to get all three because we should have won."

The result leaves Rafa Benitez's side well off the leading pack in the Premier League as the Merseysiders sit 12 points behind table-topping Chelsea, and 10 behind arch rivals Manchester United.

Having came so close to ending their 19 year wait for a league title last season, this campaign was billed as Liverpool's year, with a host of commentators tipping them to come out on top come May.

However, with their title hopes well and truly extinguised, the Reds have now turned their attentions to making sure they just finish in the top four, with Tottenham, Manchester City and Aston Villa all gunning for their spot.