The controversial Italy striker is still yet to score in the Premier League - scoring once in the League Cup and once in the Champions League - and was again poor as Liverpool lost in the north east.
The Reds have now lost four games already this season after losing just six times through the whole of the last campaign.
Mario Balotelli Player Profile
It is not about Mario Balotelli, it is about the team. We lost the game today. We collectively lost as a team and we are disappointed at that
In yet another crazy incident involving the Liverpool striker, Balotelli appeared to make his way onto the pitch for the second half only moments before kick off.
"We were punished for a mistake and that is what cost us the game," Rodgers said on BT Sport after seeing his side lose to Ayoze Perez's 73rd minute strike.
"We passed the ball well. The options in front of the ball were good but we probably lacked that little bit in the final third of the field. We did not create as much as we would have liked.
"It is not about Mario Balotelli, it is about the team. We lost the game today. We collectively lost as a team and we are disappointed at that."
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