JOSE ENRIQUE insisted a point was scant reward for Liverpool's dominant performance against Manchester City as the Spaniard leapt to the defence of fellow defender Martin Skrtel.

The Reds twice led courtesy of goals from Skrtel and Luis Suarez but defensive errors allowed Yaya Toure and Carlos Tevez to force a 2-2 draw at Anfield.

Brendan Rodgers was on course for his first league win as Liverpool boss before Skrtel's calamitous backpass presented Tevez with an equaliser 10 minutes from time.

“I think we did really well and we deserved to win,” said Enrique.

“We made two mistakes and they punished us with two goals. But to get a point against Manchester City is not a bad result. This team was the best team in the league last year and today we were better than them.

“Martin feels bad – like anyone would when you make an error like that. But Martin is one of the best centre-backs in the country.

“Anyone can make a mistake. We have already forgotten about that and are focusing on the next game. It's in the past and now we have to think about the big games in the future.

“We have Hearts on Thursday and then Arsenal next Sunday. We have to keep playing like this.”

Enrique, who replaced Martin Kelly in the second half, believes the Reds' encouraging display was down to Rodgers' influence.

“We are still learning with a new manager and some new players and of course we need some time but if we keep playing like that then we will win many points,” he added.

“The manager wants us to try to keep the ball when we have it and then press hard like lions when we don't have it.

“We did that really high up the pitch against City. They had to pass back to their keeper many times or kick the ball long because we were pressing them.

“It's like Tiki-taka. The best team in the world is the best example and that's Barcelona. We see how amazing they are with the ball and how when they lose it they win it back within a few seconds.

“We can't compare ourselves to them but we are trying to play like this.”

Rodgers handed a full league debut to 17-year-old winger Raheem Sterling who grabbed his chance to shine with both hands.

Enrique admits he was hugely impressed with the way Sterling handled the occasion.

“Raheem has done really well in the last two games he has played for us,” said Enrique.

“He worked really hard and his positional play was good. Everyone knows the qualities he has – he's an amazing youngster.

“He's quick and he has everything, but we have to be quiet about him.

“He's still young – only 17 years old and still has a lot of things to learn. But if he continues like this and continues to listen to the manager then he will be a great player for us.”