Kolo Toure has admitted that Sunderland "defended very well" during their draw with Liverpool in the Premier League this weekend.
The Black Cats came away with a point from Anfield on Saturday, denying Brendan Rodgers's side a third straight victory in the league in the process.
Toure told the club's website: "We know that we could have done better [against Sunderland], because we dominated the game and we needed to score, but we didn't.
"Sunderland defended very well and with plenty of numbers at the back, with one striker staying up front. We knew that it was going to be a tough game. We needed a little luck to score the goal that could have changed the game, but we didn't get that.
"I think this game was about scoring goals for us and it was really important to win the game. But I think as a team we defended very well. Simon [Mignolet] was great again as was Skrtel at the back."
Liverpool host Basel in a crucial final match of the Champions League group stage on Tuesday.
Sian Cowper
