Sunday 8 February 2015 11:02, UK
Brendan Rodgers praised his ‘outstanding’ Liverpool side for their performance in the goalless draw with Everton.
In what was billed as Steven Gerrard's final Merseyside derby, both sides had to settle for a share of the spoils as Jordon Ibe and Seamus Coleman came closest to breaking the deadlock for either side.
Despite failing to secure the win, Rodgers said he would take a lot of positives from his sides 'fantastic' performance at Goodison Park.
“I thought we were outstanding over the course of the game,” he told Saturday Night Football.
“These games are always very tense but I thought some of our football, and how we defended throughout the game was outstanding.
“We only conceded one shot on target. Apart from that we were fantastic and probably just failed a bit around the edge of the box. It was an outstanding team effort and the least we probably deserved was a point.
“Sometimes you need that bit of luck or the finishing touch to get a win. We got into some great areas, kept good possession of the ball, were patient but as I said it was probably that final pass that cost us.
“But I can have no complaints because I thought we were outstanding. Stevie was terrific again, his work rate with and without the ball was brilliant. He’s a real team player and worked very hard all evening.
“We’re still fighting for the top four and it was important that we got something from the game tonight and we did that. Now we go into the Tottenham game and it’s important that we win that game at home against a side who had a good victory today.”
Ibe, who started only his second game for the club at Goodison, was singled out for special praise from his manager who claimed the 19-year-old was destined for greatness at Anfield.
“In fairness we have a lot of outstanding British talent out there in the game but Jordon is one who can be a big player,” Rodgers added.
“Tactically he’s very good, you can see his quality in the one versus ones, he can beat people. He gets back and he works and only going to get better.
“He was absolutely outstanding and it was great to see. We’ve got a number of young players which are coming through and it’s good to see as well.”