Sunderland 1 Liverpool 1: The draw was the least we deserved – Rodgers

Brendan Rodgers felt a draw was the very least Liverpool deserved after the Reds came from behind to salvage a point at Sunderland.

Steven Fletcher gave Black Cats a first-half lead at the Stadium of Light when the £12m signing converted Craig Gardener’s cross past Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina.

Rodgers’ side, who are yet to win a Premier League game this season, equalised through Luis Suárez in the 71st minute after a superb run and cross from Raheem Sterling.

“I was very pleased with the performance,” said Rodgers. “I thought the players’ commitment and quality was outstanding. Obviously we’re disappointed with their goal after we dominated the first half.

“But we reacted to that. We upped the tempo in the second half, and our speed of passing was much quicker and our aggressiveness was much better.

“I felt it was the very least we deserved coming to the Stadium of Light.”

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard heaped praise on 17-year-old Sterling after the winger once again impressed for the Reds, teeing up Suárez’s leveller, while completing 100 per cent of his passes in the attacking third.

“Well I think that’s why everyone is talking about him [Sterling’s service],” said Gerrard. “He’s burst onto the scene and he’s got the supporters on the edge of their seat.

“He’s still a young boy and he’s got a lot to learn but with likes of myself and Glen around, we can help him improve and develop and become even better.

“He’s got a bright future and I’m glad he’s a Liverpool player.”