Rodgers: This is the proof

Steven Gerrard looked to have given Liverpool a vital win in their race for Champions League qualification with a trademark smash from distance after earlier goals from Edin Dzeko and Daniel Sturridge.

However, a stunning finish from Sergio Aguero after beating Pepe Reina to the ball near the corner flag meant the points were shared.

The visitors had 22 shots - twice as many as the champions.

Rodgers feels his side is growing into a formidable outfit but accepts mistakes have cost them too many points in 2012-13.

"It was an outstanding performance at a notoriously difficult place for teams to even score a goal," said the Northerm Irishman. "I don't think they've conceded here [in 2013].

"What was important for me was to see the confidence of the players, the desire, the quality and the efficiency of their game. I don't think anyone would deny that we probably deserved to win that game.

"The disappointing thing was that it typified our season, really, where we've been outstanding in our game and the model of our work but mistakes have cost us.

"That's all a part of our growth.

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"I was really disappointed for them because they'd put so much into the game. Obviously Aguero's finish is unbelievable but from our perspective we're bitterly disappointed he was even in that position.

"It was a mistake, everyone was clear on that, but I can't fault the players. I thought they were absolutely brilliant today. We showed great character.

"We might be missing two or three players who can really help the group that clubs like Manchester City have, but I don't think you can fault the players for what they're giving in the game.

"Once we cut out those mistakes - which we will do, there's no question about that - draws turn into wins and we can be a real force, because we've got some really talented players. The group is still growing and building."

Liverpool equalised City's early opener amid a chorus of boos, Sturridge thundering past Joe Hart from outside the area while Dzeko was apparently injured 70 yards away.

Referee Anthony Taylor had not deemed Daniel Agger's challenge on the striker a foul - and Dzeko was back on his feet as soon as the goal went in.

Rodgers said: "The Sturridge goal was quite clear, really. If you watch the incident itself, both bodies got tangled up, Dzeko obviously thinks it's a free-kick but Daniel Agger has done what good defenders do - try to nick the ball.

"You are then talking about a minute or so after, and the referee had told a couple of the players - Daniel Sturridge, Steven Gerrard - to play on. Hence why they kept the game flowing.

"You saw a moment in the second half where Daniel Agger did actually kick the ball out but there was no injury to Edin Dzeko, it was purely the referee's decision. He told the players to play on.

"It probably takes away from what was a brilliant finish from Daniel Sturridge to get us back into the game."

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Sturridge seemed to pick up an injury late in the first half but continued until the closing stages, when he was replaced by Joe Allen.

He is now a doubt for England's contest with Brazil this week.

"He got a knock just before half-time on his thigh," said Rodgers. "He wanted to give it a go in the second half but I think he'll be a doubt for the [England] game on Wednesday.

"It's unfortunate because he was terrific today. His hold-up play, his movement, his pace. He was a real, real threat. His combination with Suarez and Downing and Henderson up front was outstanding."

Sturridge was booked for diving after skipping past Joleon Lescott in the second period.

Rodgers added: "There is contact in it. I think he just falls over. He knows he's not going to get a penalty, the ball's going out. It's unfortunate. We've been here before with this kind of stuff. It's not something we like or advocate but I don't think he was diving to get a penalty - the ball had gone and he was never going to retrieve it."