Brendan Rodgers: Chelsea striker Diego Costa lucky to escape red card after stamp on Emre Can

Brendan Rodgers has hit out at Diego Costa after the Spanish international appeared to stamp on both Emre Can and Martin Skrtel during Liverpool's 1-0 defeat to Chelsea in the second leg of the League Cup semi-final.

The former Swansea manager believes the Chelsea star was lucky to scape a red card on both occasions as Jose Mourinho's side sealed a 2-1 win on aggregate.

"There's no need to do it, that's the sad thing. He's clever - the officials don't see it - but it's poor from him," Rodgers told reporters after the game.

Speaking to Sky Sports, the Liverpool boss added: "These things happen. I think everyone watching wouldn't like to see what Costa was doing, not just on Skrtel but Emre Can. He was clearly stamped on.

"You don't want to see that. It's disappointing to see that on the replay and he was probably very fortunate the referee and the linesman didn't see it."

Rodgers was left satisfied with his team's performance but was disappointed they failed to score during an impressive first half performance.

"I thought we had a number of opportunities - Raheem Sterling, Philippe Coutinho. If you assess it over two legs their goalkeeper has won them the tie. He is a world-class keeper.

"I thought tactically our pressing was very, very good. We created chances and gave them problems. Through to half time I don't think they had a shot on target. They are a top-class team and very competitive. This competition has allowed us to regain our identity. Now we have to move on."

Branislav Ivanovic's header in the first half of extra time proved to be the difference on the night.

"We gave the ball away cheaply for their goal and our line could have been better. We were better in every aspect of our game but we just couldn't get the big goals. Sometimes you have a barrier in your way and tonight and last week it was Courtois."