Brendan Rodgers says he is still proud of Liverpool’s display in the Merseyside derby, despite being robbed of all three points by a last minute equaliser from Phil Jagielka.
Liverpool had lead from the 65th minute after a superb free kick from Steven Gerrard, and looked on course for a third Premier League win of the season until a last minute blockbuster from the Everton defender.
In what was a much improved display from Liverpool, the boss said after the game he felt his side were unfortunate to come away with only a point.
“We didn’t get what we deserved.
“It was very clear that we were much the better side today. When you concede a goal like that so late on, it epitomises the luck that went against us today. But I’m certainly very proud of the players.
“I thought the intensity was getting back up to near where we have been for 19 months. Tactically, I thought we were very good in the game. We defended very well. We took the lead, we should have arguably had at least two more and we should have had a penalty.
“It was disappointing, but I think the performance, which I’m clearly looking to at the moment, was at a much better level than we have been at.
“I never felt in any danger during the game. I think the organisation of the players was very good. They had good concentration. I always felt that with the ball we were a real threat going forward. But when you conceded so late on like that, into injury-time, it’s a little bit frustrating.”
Rodgers also had words of praise for captain Steven Gerrard, who fired his 10th Merseyside derby goal to put the Reds in front.
Despite not ending up on the winning side, Gerrard’s goal meant that no player has scored more derby goals in the Premier League era than the 34-year-old.
“I thought the intensity was getting back up to near where we have been for 19 months. Tactically, I thought we were very good in the game. We defended very well. We took the lead, we should have arguably had at least two more and we should have had a penalty.
“It was disappointing, but I think the performance, which I’m clearly looking to at the moment, was at a much better level than we have been at.
“I never felt in any danger during the game. I think the organisation of the players was very good. They had good concentration. I always felt that with the ball we were a real threat going forward. But when you conceded so late on like that, into injury-time, it’s a little bit frustrating.”
Balotelli meanwhile came close to scoring on a number of occasions, none more so then when Tim Howard deflected his close range effort onto the bar with the score at 1-0.
“Today I thought Mario’s work-rate was excellent; his pressure and physique at the top end of the field was very good for us,” said Rodgers.
“He looked like he could get a goal. It’s disappointing he didn’t score but as long as he’s working well and working hard, getting into the right areas, he will get goals.”
Rodgers also had words of praise for another summer signing, with Adam Lallana looking especially impressive at Anfield.
“I thought Lallana was outstanding,” added Rodgers. “To come into his first derby game and play with that quality and intensity.
“He played the whole game during the week against Middlesbrough – right the way through, penalties and all. So to deliver that performance was great because it shows me he’s getting fitter and fitter now with each game.
“He was a constant threat for them, playing in that position just in behind. His performance was outstanding.”
