Brendan Rodgers is expecting a more open game in Chelsea’s Capital One Cup semi-final second leg with Liverpool.
The two sides played out an exciting 1-1 draw at Anfield as Eden Hazard’s penalty gave the Blues the lead before the Reds deservedly equalised through Raheem Sterling.
Chelsea striker Diego Costa had a quiet game by his standards and Jose Mourinho admitted afterwards that his side had been restricted to half chances.
Rodgers felt his team had done enough to take a lead into the return fixture at Stamford Bridge but is banking on the Blues giving them more space when the two sides meet again.
He said: “I’m delighted with the performance, disappointed with the result. I thought we thoroughly deserved to win the game.
“I thought we showed wonderful character. We went behind and I think the penalty was their only shot on target.
“Some of our play, our aggression and our defending was very impressive.
“It was a wonderful performance and sets up the second leg nicely for us. They’re at home and they’ve probably got to open up a wee bit more.
“I think it’s all to play for. Two big teams really fighting to get an advantage. It shows the improvements we are making.
“The creation of our chances was very impressive, if we can put a few of those away in the second leg we’ll be in a better position in terms of the result.”
Liverpool come to Stamford Bridge for the return leg on January 27. The winner will face either Tottenham Hotspur of Sheffield United at Wembley.
