West Ham 1 Liverpool 2: We were clearly the better team, says Rodgers

Brendan Rodgers insisted that his Liverpool side were fully deserving of their victory at West Ham United after they moved back to the top of the Premier League.

Steven Gerrard put the Reds in front from the spot at Upton Park in the 44th minute after James Tomkins handled in the box.

Andy Carroll is the best in the air in Europe

Brendan Rodgers

But Guy Demel tapped home from close range to level just before the break as Liverpool appealed that Andy Carroll had fouled goalkeeper Simon Mignolet.

Former Liverpool striker Carroll hit the bar with a second-half header, before Gerrard struck another penalty in the 71st minute after Adrian brought down Jon Flanagan.

“There were bad decisions both for and against us. We were clearly the better team,” said Rodgers. “The pitch was very dry, it wasn’t watered which affects the speed of our game. That’s the home team’s choice.”

Asked about the penalty decisions, Rodgers replied: “The first one was a clear penalty. In all fairness the referee came out after the game and said he got it wrong for their goal. That was their only shot on target.

“The second penalty was a penalty. Jon Flanagan touches it past the keeper, the keeper gets a slight touch on it but he then brings down Jon.”

The Northern Irishman, whose side are two points clear of second-placed Chelsea and have won their last nine games, continued: “We went to a diamond which gave us control and we created a lot of chances in the second half. You are under a lot of physical pressure here.

“Andy Carroll is the best in the air in Europe. I thought Martin Skrtel was brilliant to deal with that today.

“It was a foul by him for the West Ham goal though, the linesman gave a foul so it was disappointing to get a goal given.”