Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has declared himself "extremely happy" with his side's performance in last night's League Cup clash against Chelsea.
The Reds fell a goal behind in the semi-final first-leg meeting at Anfield when Eden Hazard tucked away a penalty kick, but Raheem Sterling hit back in the second half to ensure that things are finely poised at 1-1 ahead of next week's return tie.
Despite enjoying more of the ball Liverpool had to settle with just the one goal, which Rodgers believes is a credit to Chelsea's defensive work.
"It's always difficult against them; they sit in a low block, the spaces are closed, and especially if you go 1-0 behind," he told the club's official website. "They are an outstanding team and they know how to defend well.
"They know that they were moved about the pitch tonight. The spaces were opening up for us, we got the goal and they really had to hang on. They'll be happier in terms of the scoreline.
"But I'm obviously extremely happy with the way our performance level is improving all the time. We can now go into the second leg knowing that the movement and speed could cause them a problem."
Ahead of next week's second leg at Stamford Bridge, Liverpool must first tackle Bolton Wanderers in the FA Cup.
Daniel Lewis
