Liverpool 3-2 Aston Villa: Sturridge double eases pressure on Rodgers
The England international scored his first goals
since returning from injury after James Milner's
early strike, with Rudy Gestede netting two of his
own for the visitors Liverpool eased the pressure
on manager Brendan Rodgers as Daniel Sturridge
scored twice in an action-packed 3-2 win over
Aston Villa at Anfield.
The Northern Irishman has seen his position
come under scrutiny after a difficult start to the
season and Liverpool continued to show defensive
frailties as Sturridge and Philippe Coutinho
inspired a first Premier League win in five outings.
Danny Ings was given the nod alongside Sturridge
in the absence of injured striker Christian
Benteke, but it was another former Villa man in
James Milner who gave Rodgers the perfect start
when he opened the scoring with his first
competitive Liverpool goal 66 seconds in.
The hosts initially failed to build on their
momentum, but Sturridge's first goal since
returning from injury doubled the advantage on the
hour and sparked a flurry of drama as Rudy
Gestede inspired a fightback seven minutes later
when he pulled one back.
Sturridge was again on hand to restore the two-
goal cushion, finishing a delightful one-two with
Coutinho, although Gestede's aerial prowess
continued to pose problems as he reduced the
arrears to ensure a nervy finale for Liverpool.
But Rodgers' men held on to keep Tim Sherwood
and Villa winless in the league since the opening
day.
Coming into the game at the end of week in which
speculation over his future has hit the
headlines, Rodgers could scarcely have hoped for
a better start than Milner's second-minute goal –
the quickest of the Premier League season so far.
The vice-captain controlled a Coutinho pass and
fired left-footed beyond Brad Guzan as the
opening stages belonged to a buoyant Liverpool
side clearly enthused by Milner's early strike.
Gestede - in for the injured Gabriel Agbonlahor -
proved a threat throughout and shot wide after a
careless clearance from Emre Can prior to the
half-hour mark, while a deflection denied Ashley
Westwood a strike on target prior to the interval
amid questionable Liverpool defending.
For all their dominance, Rodgers's men were
made to sweat late in the half, but began the
second period on the front foot with Milner forcing
a save from Guzan.
Nathaniel Clyne saw his follow-up attempt
thwarted before Coutinho's free-kick from the
edge of the box was collected well by Guzan.
Rodgers's side had their second
when Sturridge conjured a stunning strike past
Guzan with the outside of his boot after clever
interplay with the impressive Milner.
The England striker made his return from long-
term injury problems in the draw against Norwich
City last weekend and scored his first goal since
March before Gestede's close-range strike
curtailed Liverpool momentum.
The danger was short-lived for the hosts,
however, as Sturridge had his second a minute
later - collecting a neat Coutinho backheel before
finishing past Guzan - although
Liverpool again made life difficult as Gestede
produced a powerful header to give Villa hope.
Defensive problems aside, Liverpool's first home
win over Villa since 2010 will build confidence at
Anfield, as will a return to the scoresheet for
Sturridge, who almost had a hat-trick late on
when he shot just wide after linking with Ings.
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