Liverpool emerged as 3-2 winners against Aston Villa at Anfield this afternoon, easing the pressure on under-fire boss Brendan Rodgers.
Daniel Sturridge was the star of the show, volleying home a wonderful opener before sealing the win with this precise second…
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Despite the positive result, Liverpool didn’t make it easy for themselves. They took an early lead when James Milner fired into the bottom corner, and looked to be cruising when Sturridge made it two on the hour.
The two goal lead only lasted six minutes as Villa struck back with Ruddy Gestede’s scrambled goal. It marked the start of a flurry – it only took Sturridge a minute to restore Liverpool’s advantage, and just three minutes later Gestede headed home both his and Villa’s second.
In the final twenty minutes Sherwood’s men pushed hard but couldn’t find a third goal to force a draw, while Sturridge spurned two good chances that would’ve given him a hat-trick.
SEE MORE:
Sturridge goal video vs Aston Villa: Liverpool star hits sweet volley to score 1st since April injury
James Milner goal video vs Aston Villa: Liverpool ahead on 50 seconds as England star upsets old club
The result puts Liverpool seventh, a mere two points behind third-placed West Ham. Villa stay in the bottom three.
Read on to see how Liverpool’s men fared individually…
GK: Simon Mignolet – 6.5/10
Mignolet made a few important saves and wasn’t at fault for the Villa goals.
CB: Emre Can – 6.5/10
Can continues to be more effective in the centre of Liverpool’s midfield than in their defence. Strong on the ball and worked hard, but let attackers get away from him too often.
CB: Martin Skrtel – 6.5/10
Liverpool’s biggest weakness for the last 18 months has been defending set pieces. Skrtel continues to be competent in open play, but too easily outfoxed defending deal balls.
CB: Mamadou Sakho – 7/10
Reds fans have been demanding that Sakho should be in the team since the season started – and thanks to Lovren’s injury they’ve got their wish.
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