Brendan Rodgers Pleased With Liverpool's Merseyside Derby Performance

Brendan Rodgers felt Liverpool was unfortunate not to take more than a point from Goodison Park after taking the lead in a 1-1 draw with Everton in Sunday’s Merseyside derby.

“I thought we were clearly the much better team in the first half,” Rodgers reflected in his postgame press conference. “We had a couple of opportunities and then went in front, deservingly, and maybe could have been one or two more in front in the first half.

“We conceded a disappointing goal, a little bit of luck went against us. A cross comes into the box, and Emre Can makes good contact on the ball -– probably nine times out of 10 that goes out for a throw-in and it’s good defending, but it hits Martin Skrtel and off (Mamadou) Sakho and falls perfectly for Lukaku, who finishes it well.

“Second half, you would expect Everton to come out, with us being the much better side, and we then had to show our defensive quality.

“I thought the players were very good in the second half defensively and a threat on the counter-attack. All in all, I’m pleased with the performance.

“We’ve had a run of tough games away from home and this has been another one. The players have worked very well.”

Liverpool have now won one and drawn five of their last six fixtures in all competitions.

Asked if he has observed progress in his team during that run since a defeat by Manchester United last month, Rodgers insisted improvements are being made.

“Internally, we can see improvement and over time, hopefully that can be proved at the end of the season.”