Liverpool threw away a two goal lead to draw to Leicester City 2-2 at Anfield in a game where they were poor for large parts of the game.
The festive period was being targeted by Rodgers as the time where they would be making up for the lost points over the season where they have been sub-par. Rodgers and the team will look at this as a lost opportunity to capitalize on the dropped points by Manchester United and Arsenal and climb further up the table. This would be especially disappointing for the hosts since they handed Swansea a 4-1 thrashing just two days back and would have thought they could carry some momentum into the game.
Leicester would be proud of coming back into the game in the second half after Liverpool went into the half-time with a 2-0 lead courtesy two Steven Gerrard penalties, which the visitors would have felt, were always harsh calls (the first one being absolutely wrong). David Nugent scored early in the second half in a delightful fashion and seconds later, Jeff Schlupp equalized for the Foxes and ensured they went back with a hard earned and well deserved point.
Brendan Rodgers was visibly disappointed after the game and said, “We probably got what we deserved in the end,” the Northern Irishman commented. “I don’t think we played well, in all honesty, and I thought Leicester played very well.
“We found ourselves 2-0 up in a game that we didn’t deserve to be, but we still created chances – in particular in the second half. But it was always a dangerous game.
“Leicester played very well and have got players with speed at the top end of the field, which always makes it dangerous.
“We’re obviously disappointed at being 2-0 up and conceding the goals that we did – really poor goals, giving the ball away so cheaply, not defending well enough when you are getting shots scored from outside the box.”
Nigel Pearson was delighted with his side’s performance, but disappointed with the two penalties given against his side.
“I’m disappointed with the penalty decisions against us, and it begs the question about the use of technology, but I’ll concentrate on the response from our players.
“We were dangerous, we showed our intent from the start. To come in two down was harsh. So I’m delighted for the players. They’ve put so much energy into the game and we showed we were a good side. A point was the least we deserved.
“We created chances throughout the game. We had to defend with a lot of determination and skill. When you face Liverpool, their quality will open you up. We showed resilience”.