As Liverpool come to terms with an FA Cup exit at the hands of Everton, we take a look at some of the reasons the red half of Merseyside look unlikely to be celebrating Premier League title success this season.

Sale of Robbie Keane

Unfortunately for manager Rafa Benitez, his decision to sell striker Robbie Keane back to Spurs looks to have backfired immediately.

The sight of Steven Gerrard hobbling off at Everton with a hamstring injury and a performance more lethargic than lethal from Fernando Torres could be the clearest sign that Benitez was too hasty to sell the Irishman.

Keane may have only netted five goals from 19 appearances but to cut short his Anfield stay after just six months with his side going for the Premier League title now looks like an amateurish decision.

Earlier this week Benitez said of Keane's departure: "Sometimes good players cannot settle in the team."

However, the injury to Gerrard and lack of an adequate replacement will do little to placate frustrated Liverpool fans.

Cautious/negative tactics

Any neutral watching Liverpool should be advised to stock up on coffee in a bid to stay awake such is the negativity surrounding Rafa Benitez's tactics.

The FA Cup exit at Goodison Park was clearly not helped by the sending off of midfielder Lucas Leiva in the second half, but had the Reds opted for a bolder approach they may have been the ones celebrating a fifth round place today.

Benitez has shuffled his pack against the smaller teams this season but has come unstuck with a succession of dropped points most notably against Wigan and Stoke.

Squad-depth

A lack of squad strength and experience is another key area where Liverpool look likely to struggle, particularly in the striking department.

In contrast to their title rivals star-studded subs benches, the Reds' back-up often features a mish-mash of unknown foreign youngsters.

Benitez's transfer policy is a touch reminiscent of Gerard Houllier's inclination to sign unheralded foreign talent such as Florent Sinama-Pongolle and Anthony Le Tallec.

Of those who may be required for the big games ahead, French youngster David Ngog looks raw to say the least, as does Nabil El Zhar, a Moroccan winger signed from St Etienne. Ryan Babel has shown pace, but little else since moving from Holland.

Unless Benitez can conjure goals from other areas to Gerrard and Torres, their challenge could fade.

Mind games

Sir Alex Ferguson will no doubt be enjoying a smug sense of satisfaction at the Merseysiders recent plight having appeared to have gained the upperhand in the 'mind games' between the pair.

The Spaniard was clearly rattled by the wily Manchester United manager's comments about fixtures earlier this season, choosing to use a press conference to reel off a dossier of 'facts' against United.

Although denied, the timing of his outburst may have brought about a loss of focus among his players.

Boardroom unrest

The ongoing dispute between warring American owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett is taking attention away from on-field matters.

The problems were in evidence again this weekend when the owners were pictured sitting poles apart from each other despite being in the same area of the director's box.

Constant rumours about selling the club to overseas investors, the latest being Kuwait's Al-Kharafi family, are having a damaging effect on the club's title challenge.

Unless the internal problems can be put on hold, the club could see a great chance of domestic glory slipping away.