Sunday, 3rd February, 2013
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers believes that his side’s 2-2 draw against Manchester City today has shown that they will be a "real force" in the Premier League under his leadership.
The Reds fell behind at the Etihad Stadium as Edin Dzeko opened the scoring with 23 minutes on the clock, but it was a goal that came very much against the run of play.
Liverpool ensured it was 1-1 at half-time though, when former Manchester City man Daniel Sturridge drilled a shot home just six minutes after Dzeko scored.
The second half was no less entertaining, with Steven Gerrard hitting a superb volley which gave Joe Hart no chance in the Manchester City goal and looked to have put the Reds on the path to victory.
But then Pepe Reina made a glaring error in the 78th minute, rushing out for the ball, only for Sergio Aguero to get there first and then angle a shot from almost the byline into the goal. The match ended 2-2.
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However, Liverpool had the better of the contest, registering 21 shots on goal to Manchester City’s nine, leaving Rodgers delighted and promising that the performance shows the Reds will be a real powerhouse in the Premier League very soon.
"It was an outstanding performance at a notoriously difficult place for teams to even score a goal", Rodgers told his club’s official site.
"I don’t think they’ve conceded here [in 2013].
"What was important for me was to see the confidence of the players, the desire, the quality and the efficiency of their game. I don’t think anyone would deny that we probably deserved to win that game.
"The disappointing thing was that it typified our season, really, where we’ve been outstanding in our game and the model of our work but mistakes have cost us.
"That’s all a part of our growth.
"I was really disappointed for them because they’d put so much into the game. Obviously Aguero’s finish is unbelievable but from our perspective we’re bitterly disappointed he was even in that position.
"It was a mistake, everyone was clear on that, but I can’t fault the players. I thought they were absolutely brilliant today. We showed great character.
"We might be missing two or three players who can really help the group that clubs like Manchester City have, but I don’t think you can fault the players for what they’re giving in the game.
"Once we cut out those mistakes – which we will do, there’s no question about that – draws turn into wins and we can be a real force, because we’ve got some really talented players. The group is still growing and building."
Liverpool now move on to 36 points from 25 Premier League games this season, nine points behind Tottenham Hotspur, who occupy the all-important fourth spot.
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