Liverpool veteran Kolo Toure insists they can quickly get back into the top four race.
The Reds missed the chance to close the gap on the Barclays Premier League's top four as they were held to a goalless draw by a determined Sunderland side who restricted their hosts to very few opportunities.
"We knew it was going to be a tough game. They defend very well, they showed that against Chelsea (earning a goalless draw last weekend)," said the Ivory Coast defender, who now turns his attention to Tuesday's must-win Champions League match at home to Basle.
"At the end we have one point, which is hard to take but this league is tough and every team fights - Newcastle won against Chelsea which shows this league is really difficult.
"It is better but last season we did much better than that. We have had a difficult start but we are catching up slowly and surely. There is more work to do, definitely.
"Last season we were outstanding in every area and going forward it was amazing, defensively we were strong, but this season has been difficult.
"When you have a tough start it is always difficult because the confidence is not always there.
"We are catching up and the team feels more secure and we need to keep going in that direction."
