Chelsea 2 Liverpool 1: We’re a match for anyone, says Brendan Rodgers

Brendan Rodgers declared that Liverpool are a match for any Premier League side after Chelsea edged past the Reds at Stamford Bridge.

Centre-half Martin Skrtel had given the visitors an early lead before goals from Eden Hazard and Samuel Eto’o handed the Blues a 2-1 advantage at half-time.

We’ve shown when we’ve got everyone available we’ll be a match for anyone

Brendan Rodgers

Referee Howard Webb turned down two penalty claims from Reds striker Luis Suarez in the second half, and Rodgers conceded his squad is running thin.

“We couldn’t have had two tougher games against two greater squads,” Rodgers told BBC Sport.

“Our squad is very thin at the moment. Against Manchester City we were the best team and today, after taking the lead, we gave away a disappointing goal.

“The players have been outstanding. If one or two things had gone our way maybe the result would have been different.

“At the start of our season this squad was very thin anyway and we needed that bit of luck with nobody getting injured but up until four weeks ago that worked for us.

“We’ve shown when we’ve got everyone available we’ll be a match for anyone. If we get that wee bit of luck and have people fit then there’s no reason why we can’t be challenging [for the title].

“It’s such a tight league you can go from top to fifth. Nothing is won at the midway point. The most important thing for us is that we’re in the conversation this year.”