Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers feels that his side are having to work harder to find the net in the Premier League this season.

The Reds were held to a goalless draw by Sunderland at Anfield on Saturday - the third time that they had failed to score in front of their home fans this season.

Rodgers has admitted that the changes his side have had to endure up front along with the defensive tactics of their opponents have led to their struggles in front of goal.

He told reporters: "Teams maybe come here a little bit deeper this year, and you've got to give Sunderland credit today as well - they defended well.

"We're a different team to last year, with different players at the top end of the field. Guys like Rickie Lambert are giving their all and working very, very hard.

"The supporters are used to seeing goals and that creativity, but it's a different team with different players. We have to continue to work hard - and that's what the players are doing."

Liverpool, who scored over 100 Premier League goals last term, are ninth in the table following the draw against the Black Cats.