Liverpool 4 Everton 0: We could have scored seven, says Brendan Rodgers
Liverpool 4 Everton 0: Brendan Rodgers feels the Reds could have won by six or seven goals after an emphatic derby victory
Brendan Rodgers felt Liverpool could have scored six or seven goals after the Reds ran out easy winners against Everton at Anfield.
Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard fittingly gave the home side a 21st-minute lead with a bullet header past Tim Howard before Daniel Sturridge scored twice in the space of three minutes to leave the Reds in a commanding position at half-time.
We got four goals tonight and maybe could have had six or seven
Brendan Rodgers
The Reds wrapped up three points in the 50th minute thanks to Luis Suarez’s 23rd goal of the season, with Sturridge’s penalty miss the only blotch on an otherwise perfect night for top-four chasing Liverpool.
“Our concentration and mentality throughout the game was exceptional,” Rodgers told BT Sport. “We knew it was a big game with the two teams so close together.
“Our defensive organisation was very good and our idea to counter-attack worked very well.
“We gambled on the two strikers because it can give us a problem without the ball. But it’s the reason we took the risk to get them on the field together.
“We got four goals tonight and maybe could have had six or seven. It was a brilliant demonstration under pressure of how to win a big game.”
Rodgers also downplayed Sturridge’s spot-kick miss and his subsequent reaction at being substituted in the 72nd minute, opting to praise the England international’s devastating performance.
“Well that’s the selflessness of Steven as a man. A local boy with the chance to take a penalty to score his second goal – not too many would pass up the opportunity. He gave away the chance to allow Sturridge to get his hat-trick but unfortunately fired it over,” Rodgers added.
“In fairness to Danny, he was frustrated that he didn’t get the pen. I always say if they’re unhappy or happy, or however you feel, keep it to yourself and speak to me the next day. He was a wee bit frustrated after the penalty miss but he was brilliant tonight.”
The Liverpool boss, who turned 41 on Sunday, admitted the win was massive in the context of the race for a top-four finish.
“It’s a massive victory over one of our rivals,” Rodgers continued.
“Everton have only conceded 11 goals over the course of the season away from home, so for us to get four was very pleasing. We worked tirelessly.
“Overall, it’s a great win. We’ve got a big game at the weekend.”
