Match Report: Mansfield 1 - 2 Liverpool

Luis Suarez's controversial strike and Daniel Sturridge's debut goal gave Liverpool a narrow 2-1 victory in their FA Cup third-round tie at minnows Mansfield.

Sturridge, a £12million buy from Chelsea a few days ago, wasted no time in getting off the mark and helping the Reds into the fourth round - and another tricky trip to Oldham - at the expense of their non-league opponents.

The Blue Square Bet Conference side had their moments, notably at the start of the second half, before Luis Suarez further crushed their hopes in the 59th minute - and not without controversy.

If a contentious handball had been spotted then perhaps Matt Green's 79th-minute strike might have forced a lucrative replay at Anfield, but it was not to be.

Instead for Mansfield manager Paul Cox, who turned 41 on Sunday and who married on Friday, his new wife Natasha will have to start flicking through the holiday brochures after failing to cash in on a promise from Blue Square that they would have paid for his honeymoon if the Stags had won.

Unfortunately, they made the worst possible start as it took just eight minutes for Liverpool, and Sturridge in particular, to make their mark.

The Stags defence was scythed open with ease by a delightful through ball from Jonjo Shelvey, and with Sturridge showing a turn of speed in racing on to the pass, he slotted comfortably beyond Alan Marriott from 12 yards.

The goal allowed the visitors to take control, with Marriott firmly behind a raking low drive from just outside the area from Joe Allen five minutes later that could have deceived as it flashed through a crowded penalty area.

Within 90 seconds it should have been 2-0, and effectively game over, as the Shelvey-Sturridge partnership combined again, with the latter clean through on to another incisive defence-splitting pass.

On this occasion, however, Sturridge dithered perhaps a fraction too long and shimmied once too often as his eventual crack at goal was beaten away by Marriott at close range.

At that stage, with just 15 minutes elapsed, that would likely have knocked the stuffing out of the Stags, however they grew in confidence as the half wore on even if Liverpool continued to dominate.

They were indebted to a superb sliding tackle from Lindon Meikle in thwarting Suso on the edge of the six-yard box, while John Thompson bravely threw his body in the way of a drive from Stewart Downing as he raced into the area.

But with the realization they were in the game and there was no walkover on the cards, and with the crowd becoming ever more vocal, they finally conjured their first chance just after the half hour.

A quick surging move resulted in leading scorer Green unleashing a fierce 18-yard drive that stung the fingers of goalkeeper Brad Jones, with Jose Reina one of those rested, along with captain Steven Gerrard.

They were amongst eight changes made to the side following the recent 3-0 victory over Sunderland, with Jamie Carragher taking over the skipper's armband.

With Suarez on the bench, Sturridge was given his chance to shine and a minute before the break he again managed to get in behind the home defence from a Shelvey pass, firing in a shot Marriott touched beyond the far post.

Whatever Cox then said to his players during the interval worked a treat as Town gave the Reds the fright of their lives in the opening few minutes of the second half as they besieged their opponent's area.

It was all sparked by a close-range shot from Anthony Howell that Jones nudged past his right-hand post.

Beyond that Howell saw another effort blocked by Carragher before Jones saved from Louis Briscoe, made a more fumbled attempt from Meikle, and then tipped one past his left-hand upright as Briscoe aimed a powerful angled drive towards the top corner.

It was hair-raising stuff for Liverpool, who eventually drew breath in the 53rd minute on a breakaway which culminated in Sturridge dragging a Downing pass across Marriott.

It proved to be his last act of his debut as Rodgers replaced the 23-year-old and Suso moments later with Suarez and Jordan Henderson.

The Uruguayan's introduction paid immediate dividends, but not without typical debate for which he has become renowned.

Again Downing was the provider and after Suarez's initial effort was blocked by Marriott, he then used his hand to bundle home the rebound from a couple of yards, sparking appeals from the Town players that went unrewarded.

The game appeared to be petering out towards a natural conclusion until Green struck 11 minutes from time with a right-foot shot from 15 yards that bounced off the turf and beyond Jones, heralding a frenetic finish.

The most notable chance saw Green lash a shot goalwards from 20 yards in the first of five minutes of injury time, only for Jones to paw away.

In the end, there was to be no romantic ending. Cox will have to save that for his honeymoon.

Rodgers Defends Decision

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers admits his side may have been a little fortunate to be awarded the second goal in their 2-1 FA Cup win at non-league Mansfield.

Debutant Daniel Sturridge gave the Reds an early lead before substitute Luis Suarez appeared to handle the ball before doubling the advantage, a goal which proved crucial when Matt Green pulled one back for Mansfield.

However, Rodgers pointed out that the officials saw the Suarez handball and ruled that it was not intentional.

"I've just seen it again and there's no doubt it was handball, but the referee and the officials ruled it wasn't deliberate," he said.

"I spoke to the fourth official when it was given because I couldn't see and he said it was (handball), so I can only assume they thought it wasn't deliberate.

"Obviously it was unfortunate for Mansfield and lucky for us that we got the goal, but it was a really professional performance from us."

When it was suggested that Suarez should have admitted the handball to the referee, Rodgers added: "It's not Luis' job to do that.

"It's not deliberate, as it's pushed up and hit his hand. It's up to the officials to decide that.

"That's why they get paid as officials and I thought Andre Marriner was brilliant.

"Maybe when you lose the game you look back on it and think it was unfortunate. We missed many more chances to put the game to bed but we got a wee bit of luck there, so it's something we'll take and move on."

Paul Cox Hails Talented Suarez

Mansfield boss Paul Cox hailed Luis Suarez a 'fabulous talent' despite the penalty controversy in their 2-1 FA Cup defeat to Liverpool.

In the Field Mill tie that saw Brendan Rodgers' men progress to the fourth round, Suarez doubled the Reds lead in controversial style when he appeared to handle his initial shot.

Cox refused to criticize the Uruguay striker, he said: "I'd like to give the benefit of the doubt and say it was a reaction, he's a goalscorer and I think goalscorers put the ball in the net anyway.

"He's a great fabulous talent, I'd go pay to watch him week in and week out. He's a wonderful player."

Cox also insisted he does not feel Suarez cheated and further praised the Liverpool number seven.

"No I don't. For me to come out and say something like that I think would be quite cheap. If it had gone in the other end and one of our players had done it I think we'd have accepted it," he said.

"This is the FA Cup, this is the beauty of it, sometimes it goes for you, sometimes it doesn't.

"It's a beautiful game and for me he's a fabulous talent and for this country we're lucky to have him here. I don't think we should call him for doing something that I think 99 out of 100 players would do."

Cox also hailed the performance of his non-league Mansfield, he added: "I'm proud of my boys, I thought they were a different level second half. I thought we stood off them and let them play in the first half.

"We've done well against one of the best teams. We've a lot of positives to take out of it."

Ince's Trail To Liverpool Turning Cold

The status of Tom Ince as a Blackpool player will continue insists manager Michael Appleton unless Liverpool improve their offer of a fortnight ago.

Ince has been linked with a move back to Anfield but the deal is looking less likely after Brendan Rodgers indicated that Daniel Sturridge may be the club's only January signing.

Appleton has also expressed his desire to keep the winger and praised his professionalism in dealing with the speculation surrounding his signature.

According to Appleton, the Reds did place a bid for Ince, who was a Liverpool youth player, two weeks ago but it did not meet the club's valuation of the player.

And in a potential statement of intent from the Seasiders, Ince was picked to start against Fulham on Saturday in a 1-1 draw in the FA Cup, meaning the 20-year-old is cup tied, should he move club, for the rest of the season.

"He [Ince] is going through an indifferent period because of all the speculation but he is coping with it really well," Appleton said. "I know how difficult it can be, so he has to take credit for that and I am sure that once the speculation settles down, his performances will pick up again.

"Liverpool made an offer two weeks ago but we have not received anything since. It was a case of, 'That's not enough. You'll have to do better if you want him'.

"Until that changes, he will stay here.''

Liverpool To Offer Trial To Zidane’s Son

Liverpool could be set to snap up Zinedine Zidane’s son Enzo from Real Madrid, as they prepare to offer the youngster a two-month trial.

Zidane Jr., who usually goes by the name of Enzo Fernandez to avoid comparisons with his famous father, currently plays for Real Madrid’s reserve side Real Madrid Castilla, having been at the club since he was just nine years old.

But the now 17-year-old could be set to step out of his dad’s considerable shadow and fly the Bernabeu nest – with Anfield a potential destination.

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers said yesterday the Reds are unlikely to be adding to their January signing of Daniel Sturridge, although there may be room for one more arrival.

Zidane, while yet to feature in Jose Mourinho’s first-team squad, was invited to train with the likes of Iker Casillas, Xabi Alonso and Cristiano Ronaldo in 2011 but has yet to make the step up on a more permanent basis.

But the youngster, who is eligible to represent either his father’s nation France or Spain, did show a glimpse of his potential in November with a superb strike against rivals Atletico Madrid.

Spanish Midfielder Won’t Be Sold Below €20M

Real Betis coach Pepe Mel has declared that in-demand midfielder Benat will not be sold for less than his release clause of €20M, sending a stark message to his many suitors.

Benat is rated as one of the brightest up and coming midfielders in the Spanish game, having made superb progress in recent years.

The 25-year-old won his first Spain cap last year in recognition of his improved play and scouts have been flocking to watch him in action for Mel’s men.

Those clubs linked with the Spaniard include English Premier League trio Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City – and with Benat’s contract expiring in 2014, interested parties have smelt a bargain.

But Mel has told a press conference that the midfielder will not go on the cheap.

"Benat’s clause is €20M and he will only leave for €20M", the Betis boss was quoted as saying by Spanish daily El Mundo Deportivo.

"Anything that means selling for less than €20M would be a disaster.

"The club has to make their point and Benat knows this. If we had another situation, it could be different, to achieve a minimum amount of money to go into the market and find a replacement, the only figure is €20M."

Benat has played 15 times for Betis in La Liga so far this season, scoring four goals and laying another five on for his team-mates, as his fine form has continued.

Mel has the side flying high, sitting fifth in the league and well in the running for a spot in next season’s Champions League.

Liverpool Made An Enquiry But We Want Immediate Solutions

The agent of Lazio defender Modibo Diakite insists English Premier League club Liverpool have made an enquiry about his client, but at the moment only "immediate solutions" are being considered by the player.

Diakite’s contract at Lazio is due to expire in the summer and as yet there has been no agreement with the Rome giants over an extension.

It is thought to be unlikely that the 25-year-old will be able to thrash out an extension with Lazio and the player’s agent admits he could move if a deal cannot be done to keep him at the Stadio Olimpico.

But at present only options which would see Diakite land with a new club this month are being considered, something which appears to have put Liverpool on the backburner.

"It is true that Terek Grozny is very interested in the player", Diakite’s agent Ulisse Savini told Calcio Mercato.

"While in the case of Liverpool, there was an enquiry, however now we are only considering immediate solutions."

Asked about whether Diakite could move to another club within Italy this month, Savini dismissed that idea, claiming only a switch abroad is on the defender’s radar in the winter window, if he does not re-sign with Lazio.

"No, at the moment, only abroad", he replied.

Diakite made 25 appearances in Serie A for Lazio last season as well as featuring in the Europa League.

Rodgers: Liverpool Planning Carragher Talks

One-club man Jamie Carragher may stay at Liverpool when he eventually chooses to hang up his boots, but Brendan Rodgers insists he wants to keep the defender in them for as long as possible.

The pair are due to discuss Carragher's future and the former Swansea manager has praised the 34-year-old's calming presence in the dressing room for helping him settle at Anfield.

As a result, keeping Carragher in his playing kit is a priority for the Reds boss, even though the days of Liverpool's No. 23 being a fixture in the starting XI are almost certainly behind him.

This season Carragher has made nine appearances in the Premier League and Rodgers admitted his lack of game time has been frustrating for the player. But winding down the former England international's influence on the team is far from his mind.

"A lot depends on what route he chooses to go down," Rodgers told Liverpool's official website.

"I know he is interested in the coaching side but I know he also enjoys the media side.

"We have had loose discussions in terms of where he is at. We decided we'd have a chat after Christmas. There is no doubt I want him to stay as a player because he still has a lot to offer.

"It has not been easy for him [not playing in every game], but he's from the old school. He's got values and ethics. We communicate a lot, talk about football and life in general.

"He is always there for me to rely on with his experience of the club. He turns out every day and I'm sure there are days that are difficult for him, when he doesn't play.

"I recognize his qualities on the field but, equally important, I recognize him as a man off the field. I hope he feels very much part of the family we have here.

"He is a wonderful example to any player, absolutely incredible. He has still got a few years left in him for sure."

Liverpool Recruit New Youth Ambassadors

The Liverpool Foundation has launched the second phase of their successful Youth Ambassadors Scheme with another 25 local youngsters starting work on the program just before Christmas.

The Youth Ambassadors Scheme, a partnership between Liverpool FC Foundation and Liverpool City Council, began in April last year and is designed to provide employment opportunities for local youngsters and showcase the best of what the city has to offer.

The main task of the Ambassadors is to serve as representatives of the city and greet travelling fans upon their arrivals in Liverpool on matchdays.

The first phase of the initiative had 25 young people aged 16-19 taking part with 10 going on to full-time employment with new organizations as a result of the training, experience and confidence gained during the program.

Now another 25 young people have joined the scheme and Liverpool FC Foundation director Gary Adlen said: "The Liverpool FC Foundation is dedicated to encouraging young people into enterprise and opportunities to help improve their lives. We are delighted to launch our second Youth Ambassador scheme with Liverpool City Council.

"Young people are the future of our city and by working closely with agencies and the local communities collectively this partnership helps them achieve their goals."

The youngsters on the program distribute information about the city's sights and attractions and will receive a level one qualification with the LFC Foundation, which in turn will bolster their future employment prospects.

"This is a fantastic initiative which has given young people a real opportunity to gain skills which can help them secure employment," said Mayor Joe Anderson. "Young people have a vital role to play in promoting the city and our partnership is a great example of how investing in today's youth can bring massive benefits to our communities for years to come. I am delighted with the success of the scheme so far and know it will continue to go from strength to strength."

FA Cup Preview: Mansfield vs Liverpool

Brendan Rodgers is expected to ring the changes for his Liverpool side's trip to Field Mill to face Mansfield Town in one of the standout glamour ties of the FA Cup third round.

New signing Daniel Sturridge will be pushing for his first start for the club since his move from Chelsea, and the forward has seven goals in his last seven starts in the FA Cup.

First-team regulars Daniel Agger, Steven Gerrard and Martin Skrtel are expected to be rested, whilst the decision about whether to rest Luis Suarez is, as yet, unclear.

Fringe players that Brendan Rodgers will possibly choose to utilize include Sebastian Coates, Oussama Assaidi and Jamie Carragher. Suso, Jonjo Shelvey and Nuri Sahin are also pushing for recalls.

Brad Jones could be called up to replace Pepe Reina after recovering from illness.

Whilst Liverpool will clearly be heavy favourites, Mansfield have lost just one of their last 12 games, and the Reds have only won three away games in the Premier League since April.

Stags manager Paul Cox is expected to name a strong side as he bids to cause a huge upset, and he will be able to call on the services of top scorer Jake Speight. He will be partnered by Matt Green. Both players have scored eight goals this season. No other Mansfield player has scored on more than four occasions.

Goalkeeper Alan Marriott will presumably be kept busy, and last week made his 500th appearance in non-League football, but at the end of last season he was effective in an attacking sense, scoring from his own area against Wrexham in April.

Henderson: We Will Treat Mansfield Like FA Cup Finalists

Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson has told his team mates that they must treat the trip to Mansfield for the 3rd FA Cup tie as if it was the final.

The Reds travel to the One Call stadium on Sunday to face the side who are in the fifth tier of English football and Henderson knows that they will face a tough test.

"It'll be a tough game for us. It won't be a pushover. We will have to go there with the right mentality and do a good job," insisted the midfielder.

"It'll be different to what we're used to in the Premier League. But you always have different challenges in football. If we play like we are, then we can get a positive result.

"We'll have to adapt to the situation. I'm sure all the players will have played at small stadiums like that before, and it'll be a good atmosphere. It'll be noisy. We have to make sure we are on it from the very start and try to keep the home fans quiet.

"It'll be the biggest game for many of those Mansfield players. They'll be really up for it. It'll be a cup final for them, so we have to treat it as a cup final for us and do the job properly."

Rodgers Hints At Central Role For Sturridge

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has hinted heavily that Daniel Sturridge could be set to play in a central position with his new club, and that Luis Suarez could be asked to perform a different role as a result.

Sturridge was unveiled as a Liverpool player on Wednesday after holding talks with the club throughout December.

Meanwhile, Luis Suarez has enjoyed a successful season to date as the Reds' frontman, with his 15 Premier League goals this season placing him behind only Robin van Persie in the Premier League scoring charts.

However, the Guardian quotes Rodgers as saying he would be prepared to move Suarez out wide: "For the common good of the team."

The former Swansea and Reading boss went on to deny suggestions that the transfer could have an adverse effect on Suarez's form.

"That is not the case at all," said the 39-year-old. "It is not a problem having top players. Don't talk about problems with players. We need good players.

"I spoke with Luis at length on it a number of times. This has been in the plan for a few months.

"When he played at Ajax he played in behind as a number 10, in between the lines, and he played as a reverse winger from the left side so he wasn't quite out wide - he was tucked in round the corner.

"Wherever he plays he will make the same movements and he will find the space because he is a world class player.

"Daniel's best position is as a central striker," he continued. "I have said that 4-3-3 will become richer because of the type of players. There is not one way to play 4-3-3.

"You can have one up and two wingers, a floating nine like Luis Suarez, you can have one like Daniel Sturridge central, two in around him narrow with full backs bombing on.

"I think for Daniel his best position will be straight through the middle with his pace," he added.

Josip Ilicic Agent Rubbishes Liverpool Transfer Rumour

The agent of Palermo playmaker Josip Ilicic insists that there is no truth in speculation linking his client with a move to Liverpool.

Reds boss Brendan Rodgers is still in the market for creative talent, according to Sky Sports, with Daniel Sturridge the only addition to-date at Anfield during the January transfer window.

The website goes on to claim that Liverpool are considering an offer that could test the resolve of the Serie ‘A’ outfit, with Ilicic one of Palermo’s star performers since joining the club in 2010.

However, the Slovenian international does not appear to be interested in a move to Merseyside, with representative Amir Ruznic dismissing the rumours out of hand.

"Ilicic moving to Anfield? Please, I don't know anything at all about that. I haven't spoken to anybody about such a move,” he told Ekipa.

"Palermo would not want a transfer to happen. I had a meeting with Palermo boss Maurizio Zamperini and he doesn't want to hear about this kind of scenario."

Tom Ince To Try And Push Through Liverpool Move

Liverpool target Thomas Ince is in showdown talks with Blackpool - as he tries to push through a move before the weekend.

England under-21 starlet Ince wants the move back to Anfield and is worried about playing in the FA Cup and becoming ineligible for the competition.

Ince and father Paul are in discussions with the Seasiders about thrashing out the fee and issues over a 10 per cent sell-on that are due to the young attacker.

Liverpool has made an offer at £5 million and may go further, but talks between the clubs have been difficult in the past few weeks.

Now Ince junior and senior are keen to keep the deal alive and have taken matters into their own hands.

Chelsea, Arsenal & Liverpool Track Matt Targett

Southampton starlet Matt Targett is being tracked by Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool, Goal.com understands.

The 17-year-old left-back is regarded as one of the jewels of the Saints academy and the long-term successor to Luke Shaw, whose own future is the subject of intense speculation.

Shaw has been consistently impressive in the Premier League this season, and boss Nigel Adkins felt compelled to warn off potential suitors before he again caught the eye in Tuesday’s goalless draw with the Gunners.

But Targett, too, has been attracting the attention of some of the country’s biggest clubs with a string of promising displays for Southampton reserves in the Under-21 Premier League.

While only two months younger than Shaw, Targett would be available at a considerably lower price, due to his lesser profile and the fact he has yet to sign professional terms with the Saints.

Under the new rules laid down by the Premier League’s Elite Player Performance Plan (EPPP), players under the age of 18 on youth contracts can be transferred for a fixed fee determined by the player’s length of service in the selling club’s academy.

Consequently, despite Targett having been with the Saints – his boyhood club – since the age of eight, any transfer fee would be only a fraction of the £9 million received for fellow youth graduate Theo Walcott, or the £12m Arsenal paid for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in August 2011.

Southampton's academy enjoys Category One status – the highest possible rating – under the new system, but this has no bearing on the fees they are entitled to receive for their youth products.

Borini Closing On Comeback

Liverpool striker Fabio Borini is set to return to training next week as he steps up his comeback from a broken foot.

Borini initially suffered the injury during a 2-1 Premier League defeat at home to Manchester United on September 23, and has not played since aggravating it while on duty with the Italy Under-21 squad in October.

The 21-year-old, signed from Roma last summer, is approaching full fitness again, and is ready to give manager Brendan Rodgers an extra option in attack.

Rodgers strengthened his forward line on Wednesday with the £12 million signing of Daniel Sturridge from Chelsea, and is hopeful that the additional forward power in support of Luis Suarez will help his side climb the Premier League table over the second half of the season.

"Fabio will start training next week," Rodgers said. "We've got players coming back now, which is great. Having Daniel come in the door and Fabio Borini returning from injury will be great for us.

"That will give us flexibility within the group."

Rodgers has indicated that Sturridge will be in the squad for Sunday's FA Cup third-round trip to non-league Mansfield, and that Suarez may be given a breather after a productive Christmas that brought him five goals in four matches over 12 days.

"Luis is a player who loves playing," Rodgers said. "That's why he's here - to play games and score goals.

"But he's coming off the back of a real busy period where he's given everything in the games and scored goals.

"I'll assess the team. We'll look at that. We'll pick a team to win the game."

Rodgers, though, will definitely be without left-back Jose Enrique, who is facing six weeks on the sidelines with the hamstring injury sustained during the 3-0 win at QPR on December 30.

He said: "Jose Enrique was our only real disappointment over the Christmas period.

"He's looked fantastic in the games, but it looks like he will probably be out for up to six weeks with his hamstring.

"It's a shame, because in the game, he felt nothing. Sometimes you can enter into the games and be tight and stiff, but he felt great even within the game, so it's unfortunate that he's done that."

Liverpool Star Ruled Sidelined For Six Weeks

Brendan Rodgers has confirmed that full back Jose Enrique will be out of action for six weeks after tearing his hamstring.

Enrique was forced off during Liverpool's 3-0 win over QPR on 30th December and it was hoped that the injury would not be too serious, but ahead of the Reds trip to Mansfield at the weekend Rodgers said that this was not the case.

"He has looked fantastic in the games but it looks like he'll probably be out for up to six weeks with his hamstring.

"It's a shame because in the game he felt nothing. Sometimes you can enter the games and be tight and stiff. He felt great, and even within the game."

Rodgers will probably use Glen Johnson at left back as he has often deputized in that position.

Barnes: Rodgers Needs Patience In A Transition Season

Former Liverpool man John Barnes believes Brendan Rodgers should be afforded the patience he deserves as he attempts to take the club back to the top after a series of failed attempts over the past 20 years.

The former Swansea City manager has set about instilling a youthful vibrancy within the Liverpool ranks, optimized by the likes of Raheem Sterling, Suso, Joe Allen, Jonjo Shelvey and Andre Wisdom. Liverpool may be two places and three points worse off than they were at this stage of last season but Barnes believe patience will be key in the club’s fortunes this season and beyond.

“I would be willing to rely on Rodgers to make whatever decisions he feels he has to,” ESPN analyst Barnes said, speaking exclusively to Sportsvibe. “If Liverpool were to finish eighth and go out early of the FA Cup for example, I feel the development of the club in the long-term would outweigh that.

“Rodgers can see that, he can see the development of his players better than anyone else and when it is best appropriate to put them in to the first team, and for the development next year and in the coming years. He should be given this season to take whatever decisions he feels need to be taken.”

Under Kenny Dalglish’s reign as Liverpool manager, there was a different outlook on the club. Money was infamously squandered on Charlie Adam, Stewart Downing, Jordan Henderson and Andy Carroll, and while there does remain some hope for the latter two, the club’s penchant for overspending was a step in the wrong direction, Barnes believes.

“If you look at what has happened in the past in terms of the money they have spent, and the players they have signed, it hasn’t gone to plan,” Barnes continued. “The club felt at the time maybe it would have given them immediate success, which is not always the case. Whereas now the fans will recognize that the club haven’t spend that much money, but are instead giving those promising youngsters a chance. And everyone likes to see youngsters breaking through at their club, and are therefore willing to give you a bit more time.”

Rodgers himself has insisted that his side must develop an element of consistency to their game, something which the club have been bereft of at times this season. A humiliating 3-1 defeat at home to Aston Villa left Rodgers with questions answer, before a scintillating 4-0 win over Fulham allayed some of those concerns. A loss to Stoke at the Britannia Stadium then followed, before two consecutive wins over QPR and Sunderland restored Liverpool’s on-again-off-again resurgence.

“On occasions such as the Stoke and the Villa games fans felt concerned, but on the other hand there is the performances against Fulham were the plan has flourished. But you have to expect that consistency with such a young side. But fans have seen what can happen in those games [against Fulham and QPR] and once that consistency is developed, it will be happy days.”

Match Report: Liverpool 3 - 0 Sunderland

Luis Suarez took his Premier League tally to 15 goals for the season by scoring twice to help Liverpool ease to victory against Sunderland.

Watched by new Anfield signing Daniel Sturridge, Raheem Sterling's lobbed goal gave the Reds an early lead.

Suarez doubled Liverpool's advantage soon after, racing into the area before stabbing the ball home.

The Uruguayan then made it 3-0 early in the second half with a close-range strike from Steven Gerrard's pass.

The win means Liverpool have recorded back-to-back league victories for the second time this season and moves them up to eighth in the table.

For Sunderland it was their second successive defeat following the 2-1 loss to Tottenham at the weekend and they remain 14th.

Liverpool's attacking display would have impressed Sturridge, who completed the formalities of his move from Chelsea in the hours before kick-off.

Despite a confident start by Sunderland, it was the home side who were the first to threaten in the 11th minute when Suarez was fouled just outside the area and Stewart Downing curled the resulting free-kick towards the near post, but keeper Simon Mignolet did well to push the ball behind for a corner.

Liverpool's opening goal came eight minutes later. Suarez brought a Gerrard pass under control before expertly lofting the ball over the defence to release Sterling and the young England winger showed great composure to draw out Mignolet before lobbing the ball into the net.

The Sunderland defence was struggling to deal with Liverpool's pacey attacks and the hosts took full advantage by adding a second in the 26th minute.

Gerrard knocked the ball forward for Suarez to chase down the right and, though the Uruguayan was fouled by Carlos Cuellar, he stayed on his feet to charge towards goal and power a neat finish beyond Mignolet.

Despite the two-goal deficit, Sunderland still carried a threat when they got forward and they had a great chance to pull a goal back when Adam Johnson's deep cross found Matthew Kilgallon inside the area, but the defender's half volley was superbly denied by Pepe Reina.

Sterling and Suarez continued to combine well and cause Sunderland problems after the break, and a fine move involving the pair should have brought a third goal five minutes into the second half.

Suarez smartly clipped a Gerrard pass forward to send Sterling clear again, but this time the 18-year-old could not match the composure he showed for his goal as he fizzed a shot well wide.

Liverpool did add a third two minutes later when Gerrard delivered a pass from 60 yards for Suarez to collect and shoot beyond Mignolet from close range.

From then on, Liverpool was firmly in control and had plenty of chances to add to their advantage.

A Gerrard shot deflected off Glen Johnson towards goal but Mignolet did well to push the ball over the bar, before the Sunderland keeper raced out to deny Suarez his hat-trick.

Both Johnson and substitute Joe Allen had efforts ruled out for offside, but with the damage already done, Liverpool comfortably saw out the remainder of the game to ensure 2013 got off to the ideal start.

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers said: "The star was our team. Luis Suarez got two goals and Raheem Sterling got one but that is their job and the team was brilliant.

"It was the fourth game in a short period of time and their work rate and intensity was incredible. I am very, very happy, it is another win for us and we can look forward to the next game.

"Luis has been absolutely fantastic. He moves well, he is a real threat and he is a real pleasure to work with. He is that Lionel Messi type of player in that he gets kicked all over the place but he gets up and he produces."

Sunderland manager Martin O'Neill said: "At half time in the game we felt as if we could have got a goal and we perhaps created the better chances, but we were unable to take them.

"They got the third goal and that was important. If we scored before then it would have got us back into the game but at 3-0, Liverpool are very strong.

"With the Christmas period we have had, if you had said we would get six points from four games against the teams we have played, I probably would have accepted that. It is up to us now, we have some points on board but it is still a tough old time."

Rodgers Swoons Over Triumph

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers was full of compliments after his side's 3-0 hammering of Sunderland at Anfield.

The Reds were two up at the interval thanks to Raheem Sterling and Luis Suarez with the Uruguayan striker adding his second to steer the team up to eighth in the Premier League.

"You've got to give massive credit to the players," Rodgers told Sky Sports. "The effort they put into the game, as well as the quality, was phenomenal.

"They were magnificent. You look throughout the country and there are a lot of tired players and performers having had to play four games in such a short period.

"But you look at the intensity and conditioning of our players and the work they put into the game, married with the quality, was fantastic.

"We played some terrific football against a Sunderland side under Martin O'Neill that has been very difficult to beat.

After a testing few months at the helm, the former Swansea boss expressed his pleasure at the long-term prospects of the club.

"Sometimes you only get credit when you win. For us, we've drawn a lot of games and haven't quite got the credit because we haven't won the game," he added.

"But these players over the course of the season have done very, very well and haven't got the points total we deserve. But I believe in the second half of the season we'll be able to up the tempo and we can kick on.

"You see the nature of our game now - our pressing, the intensity, our pressure, the superiority we're gaining in midfield in order to control games and creating many chances - we had 29 shots against Sunderland.

"It's about consistency and hopefully we can get that over the coming months and years."