Stoke City manager Mark Hughes confirmed his disappointed following his side's 4-1 defeat against Liverpool on Tuesday.
The Potters had taken an early lead through Jonathan Walters but strikes from Adam Lallana, Roberto Firmino, Daniel Sturridge and a Giannelli Imbula own goal saw Liverpool come from behind to claim a vital win.
Speaking toBBC Sportafter the game, Hughes spoke of his disappointment at his side's mistakes during the match.
We are disappointed," the 53-year-old stated.
We came here with a positive game plan. In the first half we caused Liverpool real problems and didn't allow them to play their game. We created great chances and scored a great goal. We could have made it 2-0 but then we made mistakes and find ourselves 2-1 down and I think that was harsh on us."
Stoke started the match with three centre-backs and two strikers, and their tactics seemed to be working, with Peter Crouch proving a handful up front and Jonathan Walters netting the opener with a powerful header. However, the tide turned after Adam Lallana's equaliser, and Stoke's threat was minimal in the second period as Liverpool eased to a simple victory.
You come here and chase the game and the danger is getting picked off but we made mistakes and that is the disappointment," Hughes continued.
📸 It looks like this game is beyond us, but it's great to see Ibrahim Afellay make his @premierleague return #LFC 4-1 #SCFC pic.twitter.com/x2zBKz4SHS
You look at goals and on an individual basis we could do better. Glen Johnson should clear the ball, Ryan (Shawcross) made the mistake at the end and we could have done better.
It is a feeling of opportunity missed to certain extent, but in key areas you have got to make the right decisions.�
The fixtures don't get any easier for Hughes' side, with Stoke travelling to Premier League leaders Chelsea on New Year's Eve.