Rodgers on draw and Downing
Brendan Rodgers felt Liverpool's performance was worthy of more than just a point after they were held to a goalless draw by West Ham United at Anfield on Sunday.
The Reds created several openings to claim all three points - most notably when Steven Gerrard's goal-bound effort was blocked on the line by James Tomkins.
Daniel Sturridge also had a goal ruled out for offside and Rodgers admitted his side were disappointed not to have clinched victory.
The boss told his post-match press conference: "We are very frustrated. Obviously we didn't get the three points I thought we were more than deserving of. We kept pushing from the very first minute.
"I thought the intent in our game was very good, some of our quality arrived in good areas.
"You've got to give credit to West Ham. I thought they defended very, very well. Some of their blocks and commitment to putting their bodies on the line was admirable.
"It was a game where you've either got to score early on to open it up, or you need that wee bit of luck to get a goal.
"Unfortunately when we did score it was deemed offside, but if you see it again, Daniel Sturridge was clearly onside. That was something we needed to open up the game.
"The performance of the players was very 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."
Philippe Coutinho impressed once again as Liverpool set about attempting to unlock the West Ham rearguard.
Rodgers had words of praise for the Brazilian's display and was satisfied with the level of performance throughout the team.
"The little guy has real magic in his boots - he's a wonderful technician," he said. "But I think everyone admires his humility and 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.
"I thought across the board we had a number of very good performers today. Jamie Carragher and Daniel Agger controlled Carlton Cole very well because he is a big threat. The two full-backs looked to get forward, join in and push their wingers back. The midfield had good control of the game and up front we created chances but just couldn't score.
"Across the board, it was a good team performance but we just lacked that goal that maybe could have led to one or two more."
With six games now remaining in 2012-13, Liverpool remain in seventh position in the Barclays Premier League table.
Reporters asked Rodgers what impact the West Ham draw had on the Reds' aims for the rest of the campaign.
He replied: "Our aims were simple, really - they were just to finish as high as possible.
"This was a game we wanted to win. Our form here at Anfield has been getting better all the time. We really love playing here. The supporters are right behind the players. You see the nature of our game, we're full of thrust, get bodies going forward and are offensively very good.
"We controlled them [West Ham] on the counter-attack. Young Jarvis has done very well for West Ham this season, but we controlled that and the longer ball very well.
"For us, it was a case of looking to get three points to keep us moving forward. We didn't do that, we'll have to take a point.
"The aims are still very much the same - finish the season strongly with confidence, keep performing well and see where it takes us in the league knowing it gives us a real good start point for the summer. Hopefully then we can make a much better start than what we did this season."
Meanwhile, Rodgers revealed how illness forced Stewart Downing to withdraw from the contest midway through the first half.
The winger was replaced by Sturridge after 25 minutes having suffered a bout of sickness before the game.
Rodgers explained: "He took ill yesterday, but he wanted to give it a go. He's in good form at the moment.
"He took some tablets but when he was out there, he was very weak. When he came off you could see it in him that he wasn't feeling well."