Liverpool dropped two points in the race for the top four this afternoon courtesy of a 2-2 draw against Leicester City at Anfield.

The hosts led the league's bottom club by two goals at half time after Steven Gerrard had twice converted from the penalty spot.

However, goals from David Nugent and Jeffrey Schlupp within a minute of each other after the break saw the Foxes fight back to claim an unlikely point.

Here, Sports Mole takes an in-depth look at an entertaining New Year's Day encounter.

Match statistics

LIVERPOOL
Shots: 18
On target: 6
Possession: 59%
Corners: 4
Fouls: 13

LEICESTER
Shots: 16
On target: 3
Possession: 41%
Corners: 5
Fouls: 10

Was the result fair?

Yes. Liverpool looked to be cruising towards the three points with their two-goal lead, but in truth it never felt completely secure. Leicester were threatening enough to suggest that they might be able to spring a comeback, and sure enough they managed to do so with two goals in quick succession.

It was just rewards for a Leicester side that more than held their own throughout and didn't deserve to be trailing. Both penalty decisions were dubious, particularly the first, although Liverpool did create a number of chances from open play as well. Both teams had a good number of clear openings and could have won had they taken one, but a draw is the fairest result.

Liverpool's performance

Liverpool ended 2014 on a high with victory over Swansea City, but they were unable to reach those performance levels again today. The Reds were fortunate to take the lead through a dodgy penalty decision, and the two-goal advantage at half time certainly flattered them. They were by no means getting hammered by Leicester, but the visitors were very much in the game.

Brendan Rodgers will feel that his side created enough chances to have won this game, but they also allowed a lot to the opposition so can't have too many complaints at coming away with just a point. There is no doubt that it is two points dropped, however, and if Liverpool are to make the top four then home matches against the league's bottom side are simply must-wins.

Leicester's performance

If Leicester are to stay up this season, they will need to show plenty of fight, determination and desire. They provided that in abundance today, managing to recover from a two-goal deficit at Anfield - not an easy task for any side. The Foxes started the match really brightly and were unfortunate to go into the break trailing, but they fought back and deserved their goals.

Of course, quality is also needed if they are to stay up, and Nugent and Schlupp provided that with their finishes today. Nigel Pearson's side are still rooted to the bottom of the table, but four points from their last two games in a big improvement and they now sit just four points from safety.

Sports Mole's man of the match

Jeffrey Schlupp: There was no standout performer for either side today, but Schlupp was a constant menace to the Liverpool defence with his direct running and pace down the flank. He capped off a good display with his goal, which he took very well to level things up.

Biggest gaffe

This has to go to Mike Jones for awarding the first penalty. Wes Morgan was adjudged to have handled the ball when sliding in to block a cross, but replays showed that it had, in fact, struck him in the face.

Referee performance

This wasn't the easiest game for Mike Jones today, with a number of penalty shouts. As mentioned above, he got the first one wrong, while the second could have gone either way. There was also another claim late on for Liverpool which could well have been given, but Jones waved it away.

What next?

Liverpool: Liverpool turn their focus to the FA Cup on Monday as they take on AFC Wimbledon.

Leicester: The Foxes are also in FA Cup action, hosting Newcastle United in an all-Premier League tie.