Rodgers: Daniel made the difference
Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has explained why the introduction of Daniel Sturridge as a half-time substitute against Chelsea was the catalyst for a much-improved second period at Anfield.
The Reds entered the break with a one-goal deficit following Brazilian midfielder Oscar's headed opener on 26 minutes, prompting a tactical switch by the boss.
It was a move which paid dividends - Sturridge created a clear chance for Steven Gerrard, crashed a long-range strike against the post and then buried the equaliser within seven minutes of joining the action.
"In the first half we were too slow," Rodgers reflected to Liverpoolfc.com after Sunday's Barclays Premier League encounter.
"We played with three midfield players to control the game and we never had any real control - our passing was loose and sloppy.
"We had one or two moments where we showed intensity but I felt bringing Daniel on in the second half, playing with a narrow four in midfield and letting him move and work around Luis Suarez, would give us more of a threat.
"I thought Daniel was outstanding in the second half and as a team we were much more aggressive."
Rodgers admitted that both of Chelsea's goals had stemmed from mistakes by the Reds but insisted that recovering from those errors to claim a share of the spoils was a feat worthy of praise.
He continued: "I think it shows the character in the group, to come from behind. We made two mistakes for their goals - we're disappointed with the goals that we gave away.
"I can only commend the resilience of the players. To get back into the game at 1-1 and go behind again to a penalty might have made them flat for the rest of the half.
"I thought our second-half performance was outstanding; our tempo was much better, we were more aggressive in our attack and we thoroughly deserved at least a point from the second half.
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"What we've seen today in the second-half performance and our mentality is that we're not going to be beaten easily. Chelsea are a team up there challenging.
"We know that with some additions in the summer we can be up there challenging as well. They're a top team, invested a lot of money in the players.
"What we've got is quality, great resilience and spirit - we showed that today and it's something that will be key for us going forward."