Rodgers' WBA verdict
Brendan Rodgers believes Liverpool's 3-0 opening-day defeat at West Bromwich Albion was not a fair reflection on his side's performance at the Hawthorns.
The Reds fell behind to Zoltan Gera's long-range volley just prior to the break before Daniel Agger was shown a straight red card after he was adjudged to have brought Shane Long down inside the box following the re-start.
The West Brom striker missed the resulting penalty, but won another spot kick for his side moments later, which was duly converted by Peter Odemwingie.
Substitute Romelu Lukaku wrapped up the three points for the Baggies when he headed home late on.
Rodgers told a post-match press conference: "I thought the scoreline was harsh, I've got to be honest.
"After the first couple of minutes of the game, we got good control and rhythm in our game. Up until they scored the first goal, it looked as though we were the team who were going to get it.
"I've no complaints about the first goal - it was a fantastic strike (by Gera). We defended the (initial) corner quite well with good height and distance on our clearance. Glen Johnson probably couldn't have done any more as he went to press the ball, but it was wonderful technique.
"We were virtually controlling most of the game in the first half, but then we found ourselves 1-0 down.
"I'm not one to go on about referees, but in the second half I thought the two (penalty) decisions - three if you include the sending off - were very, very harsh. I don't think either of the decisions were penalties. If you see them again on the replay, you'll see that they were very, very harsh.
"Obviously then with 10 men and chasing the game, it becomes difficult."
Liverpool went into the break trailing their hosts by Gera's goal, but Rodgers insists he still had belief his side could get something from the contest.
He added: "I still had confidence. I said to the players at half-time that we had controlled the first half and we had to keep our patience, keep moving the ball and normally when that happens the spaces open up and our quality will get us back into the game.
"Like I said, we conceded a penalty and then the sending off kills you, really. Especially for a new team that is coming together in terms of the structure and ideas.
"But I have to give big credit to the players. They ran to a standstill today, even though days like that hurt."
Lukaku's header effectively ended 10-man Liverpool's hopes of a comeback with 13 minutes remaining.
Reporters quizzed the manager whether he was disappointed with the way his side had defended for the goal.
He responded: "We were chasing the game and trying to get back into it, and so obviously that naturally leaves the spaces and things that little bit more open. Instead of sitting at 2-0, we were trying to get back into the game.
"West Brom played a counter-attacking game today, so you're always going to be vulnerable in that position (down to 10 men). But like I said, the players gave me everything today and I can't complain.
"It was a bad day at the office for us, but I thought we showed signs, particularly in the first half, that the players have coped very well with the ideas. In the second half when we went down to 10 men, it was difficult for us."
Asked whether Liverpool would appeal Agger's red card, Rodgers replied: "It's certainly something we'll look at, absolutely. It was very, very harsh I thought."
Rodgers handed Joe Allen his first appearance for the Reds at the Hawthorns, and admitted he was pleased with the display of the 22-year-old.
"I thought he was outstanding," he said. "For a boy to walk into a new team and perform like that, I thought he was superb. His body work, passing and ability to get on the ball was excellent."
Meanwhile, Rodgers confirmed Joe Cole sustained a recurrence of a recent hamstring problem.
The forward was introduced into the action as a second-half substitute, but was forced to limp off soon after.
Rodgers said: "It's strange because he's trained very, very well all pre-season. Then he started the Gomel game in the Europa League and had to come off with a similar thing.
"He got back, trained well and then went into the game today and the same thing has happened. It's something the medical staff will have to look at."