Rodgers hails West Ham defending

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers hailed West Ham’s ‘admirable’ defending following Sunday’s 0-0 draw between the two sides at Anfield.

The Hammers put in an obstinate defensive performance on Merseyside, frustrating the likes of Luis Suarez and Steven Gerrard to come away with a deserved point.

And while Rodgers expressed frustration at the result, he accepted that the visitors’ stubbornness had probably merited a share of the spoils.

“We’re very frustrated that we didn’t get the three points,” he told reporters. “I thought we were more than deserving of it. We kept pushing from the very first minute.

“I thought our intent in the game was very good and some of our quality arrived in good areas but you’ve got to give credit to West Ham. I thought they defended very, very well.

“Some of their blocks and some of their commitment to get their body on the line was admirable.

“For us, it was either a game where you’ve got to score early on to open it up or you need that bit of luck to get the goal.

“Unfortunately, when we did score, it was deemed offside, but if you see it again Daniel Sturridge was clearly onside.

“The performance of the players was really good, their commitment and concentration in the game was outstanding but unfortunately we failed to get the goal which could have led to two or three more.”

The Northern Irishman went on to laud the performance of January arrival Philippe Coutinho, who tested the West Ham defence on numerous occasions despite the Reds’ failure to beat Jussi Jaaskelainen.

“The little guy has got real magic in his boots,” Rodgers added.

“He’s a wonderful technician and I think everyone admires his humility, how hard he works for the team. He always wants the ball and is prepared to put his body on the line to work and fight.”

West Ham counterpart Sam Allardyce later claimed that his side had deserved to win the game on the balance of chances.

“We should have won it,” he said. “We had the better chances in the game. They had the most possession, I know that.

“Our consistent, quality defending nullified the opposition’s frontline and allowed us to create the best opportunities in the game.

“I’m absolutely delighted with the point and the clean sheet and the lads are disappointed, having had the better chances than Liverpool, not to have won this game which would have been a massive bonus for us because it’s 50 years since the club have won here.

“A point is a very big point for us today, well deserved and when you’ve carved out the best chances you are a little disappointed not to have won it.”