Jurgen Klopp blamed referee Michael Oliver for costing Liverpool a priceless victory over Chelsea.
The Reds were hanging on to the lead given to them by Mo Salah's 15th goal of the season when Klopp decided to bring on Adam Lallana in a bid to close the game out in the final stages.
But the Liverpool boss claimed that the substitution was taking too long – and Brazilian midfielder Willian rescued a point for the champions with a speculative chip that Klopp insisted was a fluke.
Klopp said: "We wanted to change the system, but the referee said it was taking too long.
"I don't understand it. How can that take too long?
"I wanted to change to five at the back and it would have helped with where Willian got the ball.
"In these games you need a bit of luck. Willian's goal was fantastic – even though it was probably a cross."
Chelsea were heading for their fourth defeat of the season when Salah struck in the 65th-minute.
But Blues' boss Antonio Conte sent on Willian – and was rewarded two minutes later when the Brazilian found space 20 yards out to float a chip over the stranded Simon Mignolet.
Conte said: "I haven't spoken to the player about the goal, so I don't know if he was trying to score in that way.
"But we deserved to score a goal. We deserved a draw and we probably deserved to win.
"It was a really good performance and showed the spirit we have after a lot of travel and no rest.
"We found the strength. I am very pleased with the commitment and spirit."