Steve McManaman believes Liverpool had "immense quality" up until the final moment in the attacking third in their goalless draw against Newcastle United.
The Reds were held at St. James' Park despite having a host of chances - particularly in the second-half - to win the game.
Mohamed Salah had a fantastic opportunity in the opening 45 minutes, but Karl Darlow was equal to the Egyptian's shot.
Roberto Firmino then had a header on the stroke of half-time that was well saved by the Magpies goalkeeper.
It was then Salah with the next opportunity, but the Reds forward couldn't find the target despite opening up on his favoured left foot.
Sadio Mane was then somehow kept out moments later, before another save from Darlow from a Firmino header.
It just wasn't to be for Liverpool, who have now played out back-to-back draws against West Bromwich Albion and Newcastle, respectively.
Former Reds star McManaman couldn't quite put his finger on why Jurgen Klopp's side couldn't deliver the final ball, but praised his ex-club's quality in the build-up.
“I have no idea to be honest," McManaman said to Amazon Prime Video, when asked why Liverpool were unable to find a breakthrough.
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"Normally, you’d expect Liverpool to score, one of them normally steps up to the mark and scores.
"You felt the final ball was lacking, there was immense quality until the most important part of the pitch and it let Liverpool down."
One positive for Liverpool supporters was the return of Thiago Alcantara - who came on in the 73rd minute for James Milner.
Thiago had been missing through injury since limping off in the Reds' Merseyside derby draw with Everton back in mid-October.
McManaman was impressed with how Liverpool started to control the game following the Spaniard's introduction.
The former Reds star explained: "When Thiago came on, they brightened up a bit and gave Liverpool more control, but you always felt they weren’t gonna get over the line today. I don’t know what it was.”
