Football
ESPN staff 10y

Brendan Rodgers rues 'undeserved' draw for Everton at Liverpool

Brendan Rodgers was left frustrated by Liverpool's 1-1 draw against Everton, claiming his side deserved to clinch three points.

- Brewin: Liverpool denied as Everton's Jagielka strikes thunderbolt

Steven Gerrard's 65th-minute free kick looked to have secured a Merseyside derby win for the Reds only for Phil Jagielka to score a stunning strike in stoppage time.

Rodgers was proud of his players and their performance after they headed into the match having lost their last two Premier League games.

He told the club's official website: "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 reserved praise for Adam Lallana, who signed from Southampton in the summer, as the midfielder impressed at Anfield.

"I thought Lallana was outstanding," the Northern Irishman said. "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."

^ Back to Top ^