Having watched on as his team slipped 2-0 behind against Aston Villa on Saturday, Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers knew it was of vital importance that the Reds salvaged something from the clash.

Andreas Weimann and Christian Benteke were on the scoresheet when Paul Lambert's outfit claimed victory at Anfield last season, and the pair were both among the goals again today.

Needing an immediate response, Daniel Sturridge latched onto a Jordan Henderson flick and clipped beyond Brad Guzan to ensure that the deficit to turn around in the second half was just one.

That advantage was wiped out within six minutes of the restart; Luis Suarez was downed in the Villa penalty box and Steven Gerrard completed his duty by planting the spot-kick into the corner for 2-2.

Afterwards, the manager accepted that his side had not reached their regular level of performance during the 90 minutes, but nevertheless praised his players for the resilience shown in mounting a comeback.

Rodgers told reporters: "I don't think we were quite at our best today, across the team. Normally we're a team that, when we have our tails up, we're one of the best about.

"Our goals and the energy we have in the team show that. We were just missing that spark today. Training has been a bit broken in the last week, with players not able to train and being injured.

"But you've got to give Aston Villa credit, they played well. Without playing well, and being 2-0 down, we showed immense character, spirit and resilience to get a point, and we're disappointed not to win it in the end.

"It was a good point. I don't think we were anywhere near our level in the first half and I think you have to give credit to Aston Villa for that because they started very, very well.

"Their front two were a real threat for us and tactically we had to do something in the game to change it, to try and change the momentum.

"But have a look at the last week - Stoke away and Aston Villa at home. In the same games last season, we got no points from them. This time we've taken four out of the six.

"We weren't great, but it was going to be very important we got something from the game. We've shown yet again great character to come back.

"I just felt we couldn't get any flow in the game at all. [Sturridge's goal] was probably our first passage of play where we could move the ball and make some sequences of passes, and it was a wonderful goal in the end.

"That gave us the lifeline in the game. In the second half, we flipped it about and had better momentum. You have to sometimes give credit to the opponent.

"The supporters are used to winning here, but you can't win every game. We were 2-0 down against a good side and ended up getting a point."

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The Northern Irishman had opted for Sturridge in place of Lucas Leiva from the kick-off this evening, but introduced the Brazilian midfielder at half-time to strengthen the Reds' central area.

"Tactically, we had our work cut out - we had to change it," he commented. "I thought we needed to get another body back in behind the game to give us that superiority and make it three versus two.

"I thought Benteke was a real threat, Agbonlahor was a threat, and so we went to a three and it was something I felt was needed because if the game goes to three or four, which it may well have done, then it can be away from us.

"Thankfully, we tightened up a bit; we had extra numbers there, an extra body in midfield, and we were then able to make some passes."

Observing proceedings from the stands were the club's principal owner, John Henry, and chairman, Tom Werner, who had met with the manager on Friday for an update on Liverpool's progress.

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With 13 days remaining in the January transfer window, Rodgers was quizzed on whether the subject of new recruits was included in his discussions with the owners.

The boss said: "It certainly was. I'm very happy with everything they have said. If there are players available that we can get here, then we will be able to do that sort of business - if they are available.

"But I've known that for a number of months now. There was no real motive behind meeting with them, it was more about the general view of where the club is at."