The Reds boss praised his players’ effort despite falling short against a resilient Baggies side at Anfield, bemoaning the superb performance from the Midlands side’s defence

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers defended his side despite their 2-0 defeat at the hands of visitors West Brom.

In a match the Reds dominated, Gareth McAuley and Romelu Lukaku netted late on for the Baggies after Steven Gerrard missed a penalty, but Rodgers praised his players’ efforts after the final whistle.

“The players gave everything,” he told Sky Sports. “It was one of those games where we just couldn’t make the breakthrough.

“The longer the game goes on the more likely it is that they nick one. I can’t fault the players efforts today, it was just one of those games where we couldn’t get the first goal.

“We weren’t at our best but we were certainly on the front foot and looking to create. Full credit to West Brom, [Ben] Foster’s made some brilliant saves.

“It was a good away performance from them and the longer it was 0-0 the riskier it got.

“I can’t blame Gerrard for missing the penalty, he had a fantastic game and he had the courage to step up and take it.”

The Reds had won their previous three at Anfield, while drawing at Manchester City and Arsenal in their last two fixtures and Rodgers is keen to get his side back into form.

He added: “I’m just disappointed that our good run, particularly at home, has come to an end.

“But we gave everything tonight and the keeper had a fantastic match. But we’ll go again, we’ve got an important game in the Europa League on Thursday and we’ll be ready for that.”