Roberto Mancini was disappointed that City were unable to break their Merseyside hex but pleased with his player's character in the 2-2 draw at Anfield.

But the manager had some stinging words for his defence - particularly in relation to the second goal.

“I said before the game that this game would be very difficult, but we gave a very good performance,” he said.

“We started well and had four or five chances to score but after we conceded the first goal, something changed.”

City conceded two goals from set pieces and Mancini hinted that the Blues might need to work on their defending from such situations.

“We lost two goals from free-kicks, so I think we need to improve,” Mancini complained.

“The wall should stop that [second] goal – they slept!”

Baloteli

After going behind twice, City did well to come back into the game and Roberto believes that his team showed champion character to come away with a point.

“I’m disappointed because you’re always disappointed when you don’t win,” he said.

“We went down twice and scored two goals and because of this I think we showed good character.”

Despite City coming to the end a run of seven consecutive wins in the Premier League, Mancini saw no reason why the point would derail the Blues’ title hopes.

We drew here last year and we won the championship, so I hope we do that again

...Roberto Mancini...

 

Mancini’s counterpart Brendan Rodgers was of the opinion that Liverpool were unlucky not to claim maximum points from the match.

“It was a brilliant performance, before the game we were asked a lot of questions and the players were incredible in answering them and it showed that sometimes the best team doesn’t win,” said the new Anfield boss.

“We have to remember that we were playing against a very good team but there’s no blame for Martin Skrtel, the courage he has to get on the football and to play is the most important thing.”