Boss: I'm still proud of our derby display

The Reds controlled the Merseyside derby and struck ahead in the game through Steven Gerrard, who curled a stunning free-kick beyond Tim Howard in the 65th minute.

It seemed as though Gerrard had devastated the Blues on derby day once again; however, Phil Jagielka produced a simply unstoppable strike in front of the Kop to clinch a point in injury-time.

Reflecting on a game in which his side passed and probed, produced plenty of opportunities to score and were defensively astute until the final moments at Anfield, Rodgers said: "We didn't get what we deserved.

"It was very clear that we were much the better side today. When you concede a goal like that so late on, it epitomises the luck that went against us today. But I'm certainly very proud of the players.

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"I thought the intensity was getting back up to near where we have been for 19 months. Tactically, I thought we were very good in the game. We defended very well. We took the lead, we should have arguably had at least two more and we should have had a penalty.

"It was disappointing, but I think the performance, which I'm clearly looking to at the moment, was at a much better level than we have been at.

"I never felt in any danger during the game. I think the organisation of the players was very good. They had good concentration. I always felt that with the ball we were a real threat going forward. But when you conceded so late on like that, into injury-time, it's a little bit frustrating."

Gerrard's stunning, curling free-kick was his 10th career goal against the Reds' neighbours from across Stanley Park, meaning no player has now scored more Merseyside derby goals in the Premier League era than the 34-year-old.

His manager believes the effort was worthy of settling any game, especially this one - but admitted he feared Gerrard, a 'selfless' skipper, was about to pass up the opportunity to shoot.

"Stevie's such a selfless guy," said Rodgers. "He was letting Mario take a few [free-kicks] in the first half and I was screaming on for him to take it, because he's got so much quality.

"But he would rather, at times, let other people have an opportunity. He's shown many a time over the years that's his range. When he took it, it was a goal that should have won the game. But it was a wonderful free-kick and I thought his performance today was outstanding."

Balotelli, meanwhile, first tested the gloves of Howard with a 40-yard free-kick in the first half, before going agonisingly close with a brace of opportunities after the interval, most notably when he smashed against the bar from close-range.

"Today I thought Mario's work-rate was excellent; his pressure and physique at the top end of the field was very good for us," said Rodgers.

"He looked like he could get a goal. It's disappointing he didn't score but as long as he's working well and working hard, getting into the right areas, he will get goals."

Rodgers also reserved special praise for the impressive debut derby display given by summer signing Adam Lallana, who was lively from the first whistle, constantly looking to create and forge an opening against the Blues.

"I thought Lallana was outstanding," said the Northern Irishman. "To come into his first derby game and play with that quality and intensity.

"He played the whole game during the week against Middlesbrough - right the way through, penalties and all. So to deliver that performance was great because it shows me he's getting fitter and fitter now with each game.

"He was a constant threat for them, playing in that position just in behind. His performance was outstanding."