Liverpool have won three Premier League away games in a row for the first time this season after strikes from Fabio Borini and Rickie Lambert helped them beat Aston Villa 2-0 this afternoon.
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Liverpool made a bright start to the match at Villa Park and forced a corner early on. The ball dropped for Philippe Coutinho at the back post, but the Brazilian could not keep his effort on target.
Villa held their own during the opening exchanges and gradually grew into the match.
Ashley Westwood, in particular, displayed a good range of passing which pegged Liverpool back into their own half.
There was little to report by way of chances, however, as both sides struggled to create anything meaningful in the first 15 minutes of the game.
Liverpool did have the ball in the net as Alberto Moreno burst through and lashed a low shot beyond Brad Guzan's reach, but his celebrations were cut short by the linesman's flag.
Minutes later, Borini stretched to volley in Jordan Henderson's clever cross and this time the goal was allowed as Liverpool edged in front.
The goal gave Liverpool confidence, and Coutinho almost doubled his side's lead after arriving late in the box to meet Lazar Markovic's cross, but Guzan was alert to make the save.
Sterling was the next to waste a good chance, after his lofted effort was easily stopped by the Villa keeper.
After the restart, Martin Skrtel's knockdown fell for Borini, who had a great opportunity to extend Liverpool's advantage but his scuffed effort was eventually palmed to safety.
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At the other end, Christian Benteke swivelled and powered a drive goalwards from a narrow angle, but Simon Mignolet stood up well to block.
Villa really should have levelled through Nathan Baker, who rose highest to meet Fabian Delph's cross before putting his header over the goal from six yards out.
Lambert eventually secured the three points for Liverpool with an arrowed finish following good work from Sterling.
Benjamin Topliss
