Rodgers eyes summer solutions for Liverpool

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers admits the goalless - and relatively uneventful - 220th Merseyside derby highlighted why he needs reinforcements this summer.

The game was short on drama and chances with the main talking point being Sylvain Distin's disallowed headed goal in the second half.

Aside from that, the best, and only real genuine chances fell to Toffees' midfielder Marouane Fellaini who volleyed wide from four yards and Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard, who rounded goalkeeper Tim Howard only for Distin to clear his goalbound shot.

"We weren't at our best but what you need to make sure is you are competitive," said Rodgers.

"We kept another clean sheet, which is 15 (in the league) this season and we need to be strong defensively as well as attacking.

"We've scored a lot of goals this season but we obviously need to improve in that aspect as well to break down teams who come and play that bit deeper.

"We need to find one or two players who can make us help the difference in games like this.

"We've had a lot of draws this season and we need to find the solution for next year."

The match was veteran Jamie Carragher's 30th and last derby as he will retire later this month.

In truth it was one of his less-troubled afternoons in matches against the near-neighbours but Rodgers was fulsome in his praise of the centre-back and also his captain.

"I thought Steven Gerrard was outstanding. He kept wanting to get on the ball and make things happen," added the Reds boss.

"Jamie Carragher was immense. He has two more games left and he was outstanding.

"His influence is superb, on the training field every day, in the changing room every.

"Having worked with him for so long I can clearly see why he was one of Europe's top defenders for many years.

"We will have to search far and wide to get someone in at that level."
Rodgers insisted referee Michael Oliver, who was lenient throughout, made the right call on a foul on goalkeeper Jose Reina for the disallowed goal.

"I think when you see it again the referee has good sight of it early," he said.

"As the ball has virtually left the corner he has blown up for a foul.

"I wasn't 100 per cent sure at the time it wasn't for Distin's foul on Carragher or whether it was Anichebe but I think it was Anichebe's initial push.

"I am sure David Moyes will be disappointed the goal did not stand but I thought Michael was very good."