Brendan Rodgers takes blame for draw

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has accepted responsibility for his side's 2-2 draw with Aston Villa at Anfield this afternoon.

Rodgers opted for an attacking team selection, leaving Lucas Leiva on the bench to accommodate Daniel Sturridge and Luis Suarez up front.

Villa took full advantage of their extra man in midfield, racing into a two-goal lead before Sturridge pulled a goal back on the stroke of half time, and Steven Gerrard scored from the spot to rescue a point for the Reds after Rodgers had switched tactics at the break.

"I go with my gut feeling. I thought it was an offensive team. I have played that before. If you want to blame me, blame me," PA quotes Rodgers as saying.

"It is a good point. I don't think we were anywhere near our level in the first half, give credit to Villa for that. The front two was a real threat for us and tactically we had to change it."

The result leaves Liverpool fourth in the Premier League table, although they are just two points clear of Merseyside rivals Everton, who play their game in hand on Monday.