A solitary goal from Daniel Sturridge in the first half has given Liverpool all three points from their visit to Villa Park.

The Reds had an early effort at goal in the 16th minute when Jose Enrique set up Philippe Coutinho but his effort ended up high and wide.

Liverpool then took the lead four minutes later through the in-form Sturridge, who went round Brad Guzan to finish from a tight angle.

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Aston Villa almost snatched an equaliser with the break looming as Christian Benteke worked his way into the box before forcing Simon Mignolet to make a save.

Seven minutes into the second period Sturridge fizzed across a very dangerous ball, but Ron Vlaar was able to cut it out and concede a corner.

With 15 minutes left, Villa started to up the pressure and Gabriel Agbonlahor had an effort with a half-volleyed snap-shot but sent the ball narrowly wide.

For the second game running the Reds had Mignolet to thank for keeping them ahead, as this time he was equal to a fierce Benteke strike from inside the box.