Brendan Rodgers was very disappointed with his team's performance in the 2-0 defeat at home to Middlesbrough.

Gareth Southgate's men were well on top throughout the game, and a goal in each half gave them the three points.

Rodgers admitted, "It was a poor performance and I didn't think Middlesbrough had to work very hard to get the win.

"Everything that was good about our win at Preston on Tuesday night was the opposite today. We didn't have the same intensity and quality in our passing, and we didn't have that same end product either.

"We're very disappointed that we couldn't capitalise on a very good performance in the week, it has come back and slapped us in the face. As I say, we're very disappointed."

Brendan's men tried in vain to get back into the match, but the boss wanted more dynamism and incisiveness. "We didn't get on the front foot quickly enough, we were waiting for the game. That's been the case at home, we seem to be waiting for it to happen instead of making it happen.

"We conceded a poor first goal, then we wanted to start the second half well but concede a poor second. Leroy has finished it well but he should never have got in that position.

"When we got in the right areas we failed to show enough quality. Our decision making wasn't right.

"It wasn't like us because at home we've played well and created, but this time we were lacklustre.

"The home form continues now, and it's nothing to do with the crowd. You go to some grounds with a home record like that and you know some crowds would be on top of you. Here they give us energy, but we have to give them energy. We need to continue to be brave at home, and make the right decisions.

"It hurts, because we want this to be the fortress. If you want success then your home place needs to be a tough place to come. Some of the players just looked different players today than they have been in other games. It's very frustrating but we will work on that."