‘At times, we concede poor goals’ says Liverpool’s Rodgers

The best and the worst of the Reds was on show in Sunday's 4-3 win over Swansea City, with Rodgers’ side irresistible going forward but frustratingly inconsistent at the back.

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers gestures from the touchline during the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Swansea City at Anfield in Liverpool, northwest England on February 23, 2014. AFP PHOTO / ANDREW YATESShow less

Brendan Rodgers has no intention of compromising Liverpool's attacking philosophy as he attempts to cure his side's defensive ills.

The best and the worst of the Reds was on show in Sunday's 4-3 win over Swansea, with Rodgers' side irresistible going forward but frustratingly inconsistent at the back.

Two goals apiece from Jordan Henderson and Daniel Sturridge took Liverpool past Manchester City as the Premier League's top scorers with 70 in 27 matches, but Wilfried Bony helped himself to a brace in response, while Jonjo Shelvey netted a beauty on his Anfield return.

Rodgers accepts that the Merseysiders must learn to be tighter but pledged not to curb their free-flowing nature in the process.

“I think that’s not our style,” he said. “I worry always to play good football. I’m not totally satisfied with always grinding out results.

“Up to now we’ve got away with it. But at times we concede poor goals – it is mistakes or decision making that’s costing us.

“We were not quite at our best here but we scored four goals and won the game. It was a very, very important performance for us.

“It’s the point of the season where it’s about winning, that’s what professional sport is about at this level - especially if you’re up there challenging - but for us, I will always concentrate on performance.

“Ultimately I always think the consequence of performing well consistently is good results.”

Rodgers was particularly enthused by Henderson’s contribution, with the England midfielder finding the top corner to make it 2-0 before scoring the winner when he converted at the second attempt.

“We’ve been talking to him about getting up there because in training his finishing is sublime,” said Rodgers.

“What was really pleasing was his second. We’re telling him to arrive in the box because he’s got the legs and the energy to do it.

“That’s where his goal came from; there was a terrific reaction save from his first attempt and he followed it in.

“He showed great leadership, you could see him driving the team on.”

Swansea boss Garry Monk, who worked under Rodgers during the latter’s time at the Liberty Stadium, was proud of his side for pushing Liverpool so hard in front of their own fans.

Rodgers has been coy about talking up the Merseysiders’ title prospects, but his opposite number had no such qualms when reflecting on the game.

“You come here against a team who are pushing for the league title and to come to their ground and give them such a good game, to be in it right to the end, shows how well we’ve done,” he said.

“Why can’t they win it? They’re up there and it’s not out of their grasp.

“They’ve got the players to do it. With the strike force they have and the attacking players there will always be goals in them.”

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