Man City 2 Liverpool 1: Rodgers proud of ‘outstanding performance’

Brendan Rodgers insisted that he was proud of Liverpool’s “charismatic” football after Manchester City came from behind to beat his side at The Etihad.

Reds midfielder Philippe Coutinho edged the visitors into a 24th-minute lead when he steered a finish past Citizens goalkeeper Joe Hart.

To lose we’re bitterly disappointed but it was an outstanding performance

Brendan Rodgers

However, City struck back through captain Vincent Kompany when the Belgian headed past Simon Mignolet despite Martin Skrtel’s man-handling in the nine-yard area.

And the Citizens completed the comeback when shot-stopper Mignolet could only parry Alvaro Negredo’s lobbed effort into the Liverpool net on the stroke of half-time.

Glen Johnson and Raheem Sterling both spurned chances to recover a point after the interval, and Liverpool boss Rodgers praised his side despite their defeat.

“Overall I’m proud of the team, how we played the charisma in our football and our passing,” Rodgers told BT Sport.

“We scored a wonderful goal and we felt we could have had two or three more. To lose we’re bitterly disappointed but it was an outstanding performance.

“The three officials were poor in their performance level and we didn’t’ have anything go our way but the players kept on fighting and the game was in the balance until the end.”

City leapfrogged Liverpool into second place and moved a point behind leaders Arsenal courtesy of the win, whilst the Reds dropped to fourth place after Chelsea’s 1-0 victory against Swansea City.