Rodgers warns of stark reality

Manager Rodgers and the legion of Reds supporters at The Hawthorns were given a reality check as goals from Zoltan Gera, Peter Odemwingie (penalty) and Romelu Lukaku sealed their fate.

In addition defender Daniel Agger was sent off for a professional foul when conceding the first of two spot-kicks awarded to the Baggies.

Only poor finishing prevented West Brom from doubling its tally while at the other end of the pitch Liverpool striker Luis Suarez spurned two gilt-edged opportunities.

Rodgers said: "There is a big job to do and we will have more days like this along the way.

"That is the reality of it. It is still a work in progress.

"There will be days along the way that will hurt and it will be difficult for us.

"It is going to take time. Hopefully we won't have too many days like that and we will keep moving forward."

Rodgers knows his side have to be more clinical in front of goal and Suarez, for all his brilliant approach play, needs to increase his conversion rate of chances.

The Reds boss said: "The reality of the situation is we need to score more goals.

"If we are going to affect the top of this league, we have got to score more goals."

Rodgers felt his side were harshly done by in terms of the two spot-kicks awarded against them by referee Phil Dowd - the first of which from Shane Long was saved by Pepe Reina.

He said: "I like Phil. He is normally a good ref for me. We are not going to get everything our way.

"A couple of harsh decisions went against us, we never scored our chances and West Brom took full advantage of the extra man.

"But the players have been brilliant since I came here and gave everything at West Brom. They ran themselves to a standstill."