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Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has insisted Mario Balotelli will not be going out on loan in the January transfer window.
Reports in Italy claim the striker – who has yet to score a Premier League goal for the Reds – may be looking for a return to Inter Milan to resurrect his career.
Balotelli has found the net only twice in 15 games since moving to Liverpool from AC Milan for £16 million in the summer.
Ahead of Sunday’s game with Swansea City, Rodgers insists he has no plans to weaken a forward line which is already missing the injured Daniel Sturridge.
He said: "It's not something that I have even thought about to be honest.
“We've had a lot of games this season in a lot of competitions.
“At this moment in time the key for me is trying to keep the squad together."
With the Reds' problems up front, Raheem Sterling has been leading the line as a forward and has scored three goals in his last three matches.
And Rodgers believes that he has a lot to offer in a position which he is quickly adapting to.
"I think Raheem and anyone with that type of pace will always stretch teams and will always make defenders think," he said.
"He's a different type and not your natural number nine.
"For me it's more about the position than the player. For the team to function well, that pace in the team is very important for us."
Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has insisted Mario Balotelli will not be going out on loan in the January transfer window.
Reports in Italy claim the striker – who has yet to score a Premier League goal for the Reds – may be looking for a return to Inter Milan to resurrect his career.
Balotelli has found the net only twice in 15 games since moving to Liverpool from AC Milan for £16 million in the summer.
Ahead of Sunday’s game with Swansea City, Rodgers insists he has no plans to weaken a forward line which is already missing the injured Daniel Sturridge.
He said: "It's not something that I have even thought about to be honest.
“We've had a lot of games this season in a lot of competitions.
“At this moment in time the key for me is trying to keep the squad together."
With the Reds' problems up front, Raheem Sterling has been leading the line as a forward and has scored three goals in his last three matches.
And Rodgers believes that he has a lot to offer in a position which he is quickly adapting to.
"I think Raheem and anyone with that type of pace will always stretch teams and will always make defenders think," he said.
"He's a different type and not your natural number nine.
"For me it's more about the position than the player. For the team to function well, that pace in the team is very important for us."
There will be no route back to Italy for Mario Balotelli this January, according to Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers.
Reports in the striker’s homeland have suggested that former club Inter Milan, where Balotelli rose to prominence, may be looking at a loan move for him in the new year in light of his poor start to life at Anfield.
But Rodgers insists he has no plans to further weaken a forward line which is already lacking the injured Daniel Sturridge. Rodgers said: “It’s not some thing that I have even thought about to be honest. We’ve had a lot of games this season in a lot of competitions. At this moment in time the key for me is trying to keep the squad together.”
While Balotelli continues to struggle to find his feet at Anfield since his £16m move from AC Milan in the summer, Rodgers has been forced to juggle his forwards to find a combination which goes some way to fill the void left by the absence of Sturridge and the departed Luis Suarez.
Raheem Sterling is currently the latest player leading the line and he performed admirably in that role again against Burnley on Boxing Day. His decisive strike on the hour took him to three goals in his last three matches, and Rodgers believes that he has a lot to offer in a position which he is quickly adapting to.
“I think Raheem and anyone with that type of pace will always stretch teams and will always make defenders think,” he said. “He’s a different type and not your natural number nine. For me it’s more about the position than the player. For the team to function well, that pace in the team is very important for us.”
Sterling is likely to be supported by both Phillipe Coutinho and Adam Lalanna when Swansea visit Anfield on Sunday. Rodgers was full of praise for the duo and the opportunities they have created for their team-mate -it was an inventive flick from the Brazilian which created the goal at Burnley.
“I think that Adam and Philippe are playing in a role that suits them perfectly really. The key is obviously the work rate as well. They press the ball well, they work very, very hard.”
And Emre Can was another who received praise from Rodgers. “He played centre half in one of the games I took in last year to go and see him. He played at centre half in a 4-2-3-1. He’s got a big future hear at Anfield it’s just been curtailed a little since the summer when he was trying to gain his fitness,” he said.
“He had an ankle issue that made him miss training and he was in and out. He’s got great athleticism and you saw in his presence on the pitch yesterday (against Burnley) that he’s an outstanding footballer.
“He’s a very young player just acclimatising to the game over here. His favourite position is as a more defensive player even though I’ve played him in a more attack role because I’d like him to do more of that.
“But he’s a player that if you asked him his profile it would be to sit and play in that defensive role where he can play and dictate the game and be physical in the duel.
“Him coming on against Burnley gave us that assurance in possession and also that physicality when we didn’t have the ball. He’s someone I know can play in a number of positions and someone I know his influence will become greater as the season goes on.”
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There will be no route back to Italy for Mario Balotelli this January, according to Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers.
Reports in the striker’s homeland have suggested that former club Inter Milan, where Balotelli rose to prominence, may be looking at a loan move for him in the new year in light of his poor start to life at Anfield.
But Rodgers insists he has no plans to further weaken a forward line which is already lacking the injured Daniel Sturridge. Rodgers said: “It’s not some thing that I have even thought about to be honest. We’ve had a lot of games this season in a lot of competitions. At this moment in time the key for me is trying to keep the squad together.”
While Balotelli continues to struggle to find his feet at Anfield since his £16m move from AC Milan in the summer, Rodgers has been forced to juggle his forwards to find a combination which goes some way to fill the void left by the absence of Sturridge and the departed Luis Suarez.
Raheem Sterling is currently the latest player leading the line and he performed admirably in that role again against Burnley on Boxing Day. His decisive strike on the hour took him to three goals in his last three matches, and Rodgers believes that he has a lot to offer in a position which he is quickly adapting to.
“I think Raheem and anyone with that type of pace will always stretch teams and will always make defenders think,” he said. “He’s a different type and not your natural number nine. For me it’s more about the position than the player. For the team to function well, that pace in the team is very important for us.”
Sterling is likely to be supported by both Phillipe Coutinho and Adam Lalanna when Swansea visit Anfield on Sunday. Rodgers was full of praise for the duo and the opportunities they have created for their team-mate -it was an inventive flick from the Brazilian which created the goal at Burnley.
“I think that Adam and Philippe are playing in a role that suits them perfectly really. The key is obviously the work rate as well. They press the ball well, they work very, very hard.”
And Emre Can was another who received praise from Rodgers. “He played centre half in one of the games I took in last year to go and see him. He played at centre half in a 4-2-3-1. He’s got a big future hear at Anfield it’s just been curtailed a little since the summer when he was trying to gain his fitness,” he said.
“He had an ankle issue that made him miss training and he was in and out. He’s got great athleticism and you saw in his presence on the pitch yesterday (against Burnley) that he’s an outstanding footballer.
“He’s a very young player just acclimatising to the game over here. His favourite position is as a more defensive player even though I’ve played him in a more attack role because I’d like him to do more of that.
“But he’s a player that if you asked him his profile it would be to sit and play in that defensive role where he can play and dictate the game and be physical in the duel.
“Him coming on against Burnley gave us that assurance in possession and also that physicality when we didn’t have the ball. He’s someone I know can play in a number of positions and someone I know his influence will become greater as the season goes on.”
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Simon Mignolet will return to the Liverpool goal at the expense of the injured Brad Jones when the Reds welcome Swansea to Anfield
The Belgian had been "indefinitely" dropped by manager Brendan Rodgers, but was called upon from the bench when Jones suffered a thigh injury against Burnley on Boxing Day.
Fabio Borini returns to the squad following suspension but defenders Dejan Lovren and Glen Johnson (both groin) and Jon Flanagan (knee) are still not fit.
Jefferson Montero is set to miss Swansea's Barclays Premier League trip to Liverpool on Monday night.
The Ecuador winger, who has been in fine form lately, damaged a hamstring in the Boxing Day win against Aston Villa and is unlikely to feature although he will be assessed in the next 24 hours.
Swansea manager Garry Monk will again utilise his squad in this hectic festive period with possible recalls for Jazz Richards, Wayne Routledge and Bafetimbi Gomis, while on-loan Spurs midfielder Tom Carroll could replace former Liverpool man Jonjo Shelvey.
Simon Mignolet will return to the Liverpool goal at the expense of the injured Brad Jones when the Reds welcome Swansea to Anfield
The Belgian had been "indefinitely" dropped by manager Brendan Rodgers, but was called upon from the bench when Jones suffered a thigh injury against Burnley on Boxing Day.
Fabio Borini returns to the squad following suspension but defenders Dejan Lovren and Glen Johnson (both groin) and Jon Flanagan (knee) are still not fit.
Jefferson Montero is set to miss Swansea's Barclays Premier League trip to Liverpool on Monday night.
The Ecuador winger, who has been in fine form lately, damaged a hamstring in the Boxing Day win against Aston Villa and is unlikely to feature although he will be assessed in the next 24 hours.
Swansea manager Garry Monk will again utilise his squad in this hectic festive period with possible recalls for Jazz Richards, Wayne Routledge and Bafetimbi Gomis, while on-loan Spurs midfielder Tom Carroll could replace former Liverpool man Jonjo Shelvey.
Liverpool beat Burnley 1-0 at Turf Moor on Boxing Day – we rate each Reds player on the day.
BRAD JONES (out of 10)- n/a
The Australian had nothing to do, before being replaced by Simon Mignolet after picking up a thigh injury.
Vote Jones as your Man of the Match on Twitter:
KOLO TOURE- 6.5
The 33-year-old was solid, and generally dealt well with Burnley’s attacking unit. He continues to enjoy a pretty impressive return to the side. Substituted at half-time.
Vote Toure as your Man of the Match on Twitter:
MARTIN SKRTEL- 6.5
The Slovakian was better than he has been of late, winning plenty in the air and looking slightly less erratic. His positional sense was a little suspect at times though.
Vote Skrtel as your Man of the Match on Twitter:
Sakho was again Liverpool’s standout defender. The Frenchman made various interceptions, was dominant aerially and looked assured on the ball. A terrific return to the team.
Vote Sakho as your Man of the Match on Twitter:
The 24-year-old continues to play with plenty of endeavour in his wing-back role, but he doesn’t look comfortable there. He had a tendency to go backwards too often, and the Reds missed his drive in the middle of the park.
Vote Henderson as your Man of the Match on Twitter:
LUCAS LEIVA- 6
Lucas did some good defensive wor k- one terrific block from Scott Arfield stopped Burnley taking a first-half lead – but he lacked quality on the ball from start to finish. Not the long-term solution.
Vote Leiva as your Man of the Match on Twitter:
STEVEN GERRARD- 5.5
The skipper was virtually anonymous throughout, barring one lovely pass in either half. The 34-year-old’s form needs to improve.
Vote Gerrard as your Man of the Match on Twitter:
LAZAR MARKOVIC- 6
Markovic was extremely deep at left wing-back, and he struggled to impose himself on proceedings at any point. An extremely quiet afternoon from the 20-year-old.
The 22-year-old lost the ball a little cheaply at times, but he did at least look a threat in possession. His superb pass set-up Raheem Sterling for the only goal of the game.
Vote Coutinho as your Man of the Match on Twitter:
ADAM LALLANA- 6
The former Southampton man was disappointing, and barring one shot that tested Tom Heaton, he offered little attacking quality. Poor finishing on show again.
Vote Lallana as your Man of the Match on Twitter:
RAHEEM STERLING- 7.5
Sterling was far from his best at times, but he proved to be the difference on the day. His pace was a constant threat, and he took his goal brilliantly.
Vote Sterling as your Man of the Match on Twitter:
Substitutes
SIMON MIGNOLET (on for Jones 15)- 5
The 26-year-old was shaky throughout, and his dithering on the ball was a real cause for certain on several occasions. Two embarrassing moments when attempting to clear the ball summed up his complete lack of confidence at present.
Vote Mignolet as your Man of the Match on Twitter:
EMRE CAN (on for Toure 46)- 6.5
The German did well when he came on at half-time, and didn’t look remotely out of place in his right-sided centre-back role.
Vote Can as your Man of the Match on Twitter:
RICKIE LAMBERT (on for Coutinho 73)- 6
The 32-year-old held the ball up well a couple of times, but was otherwise quiet.
Vote Lambert as your Man of the Match on Twitter:
MAKE YOUR RATINGS
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Liverpool beat Burnley 1-0 at Turf Moor on Boxing Day – we rate each Reds player on the day.
BRAD JONES (out of 10)- n/a
The Australian had nothing to do, before being replaced by Simon Mignolet after picking up a thigh injury.
Vote Jones as your Man of the Match on Twitter:
KOLO TOURE- 6.5
The 33-year-old was solid, and generally dealt well with Burnley’s attacking unit. He continues to enjoy a pretty impressive return to the side. Substituted at half-time.
Vote Toure as your Man of the Match on Twitter:
MARTIN SKRTEL- 6.5
The Slovakian was better than he has been of late, winning plenty in the air and looking slightly less erratic. His positional sense was a little suspect at times though.
Vote Skrtel as your Man of the Match on Twitter:
Sakho was again Liverpool’s standout defender. The Frenchman made various interceptions, was dominant aerially and looked assured on the ball. A terrific return to the team.
Vote Sakho as your Man of the Match on Twitter:
The 24-year-old continues to play with plenty of endeavour in his wing-back role, but he doesn’t look comfortable there. He had a tendency to go backwards too often, and the Reds missed his drive in the middle of the park.
Vote Henderson as your Man of the Match on Twitter:
LUCAS LEIVA- 6
Lucas did some good defensive wor k- one terrific block from Scott Arfield stopped Burnley taking a first-half lead – but he lacked quality on the ball from start to finish. Not the long-term solution.
Vote Leiva as your Man of the Match on Twitter:
STEVEN GERRARD- 5.5
The skipper was virtually anonymous throughout, barring one lovely pass in either half. The 34-year-old’s form needs to improve.
Vote Gerrard as your Man of the Match on Twitter:
LAZAR MARKOVIC- 6
Markovic was extremely deep at left wing-back, and he struggled to impose himself on proceedings at any point. An extremely quiet afternoon from the 20-year-old.
The 22-year-old lost the ball a little cheaply at times, but he did at least look a threat in possession. His superb pass set-up Raheem Sterling for the only goal of the game.
Vote Coutinho as your Man of the Match on Twitter:
ADAM LALLANA- 6
The former Southampton man was disappointing, and barring one shot that tested Tom Heaton, he offered little attacking quality. Poor finishing on show again.
Vote Lallana as your Man of the Match on Twitter:
RAHEEM STERLING- 7.5
Sterling was far from his best at times, but he proved to be the difference on the day. His pace was a constant threat, and he took his goal brilliantly.
Vote Sterling as your Man of the Match on Twitter:
Substitutes
SIMON MIGNOLET (on for Jones 15)- 5
The 26-year-old was shaky throughout, and his dithering on the ball was a real cause for certain on several occasions. Two embarrassing moments when attempting to clear the ball summed up his complete lack of confidence at present.
Vote Mignolet as your Man of the Match on Twitter:
EMRE CAN (on for Toure 46)- 6.5
The German did well when he came on at half-time, and didn’t look remotely out of place in his right-sided centre-back role.
Vote Can as your Man of the Match on Twitter:
RICKIE LAMBERT (on for Coutinho 73)- 6
The 32-year-old held the ball up well a couple of times, but was otherwise quiet.
Vote Lambert as your Man of the Match on Twitter:
MAKE YOUR RATINGS
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Raheem Sterling was upbeat after Liverpool’s 1-0 victory over Burnley at Turf Moor in the Premier League on Boxing Day.
The Reds striker rounded Clarets goalkeeper Tom Heaton to score in the 62nd minute in a game of few chances.
“I’d already decided before the game that if I got through on goal, I’d go around the keeper, so I had it set in my head,” he explained after the match.
“It was a great through-ball from Philippe [Coutinho] and I’m just happy I could finish it and score for the team.”
Sterling again started up front for the Reds with no recognised strikers named in the starting XI, but the 20-year-old says he’s happy being versatile.
He added, “I’m happy to do a job for the team wherever I play. If we’re going to win games, I’m more than happy playing there for the team.”
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Raheem Sterling was upbeat after Liverpool’s 1-0 victory over Burnley at Turf Moor in the Premier League on Boxing Day.
The Reds striker rounded Clarets goalkeeper Tom Heaton to score in the 62nd minute in a game of few chances.
“I’d already decided before the game that if I got through on goal, I’d go around the keeper, so I had it set in my head,” he explained after the match.
“It was a great through-ball from Philippe [Coutinho] and I’m just happy I could finish it and score for the team.”
Sterling again started up front for the Reds with no recognised strikers named in the starting XI, but the 20-year-old says he’s happy being versatile.
He added, “I’m happy to do a job for the team wherever I play. If we’re going to win games, I’m more than happy playing there for the team.”
.
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We are sorry the page you requested cannot be found at the moment.
If you use a bookmark to enter this site, please go to our home page, find the appropriate page and update your bookmark accordingly.
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Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers admits both his side and Raheem Sterling showed they had learned lessons in the 1-0 win at Burnley.
After a woeful first half, when they lost goalkeeper Brad Jones to a thigh injury meaning a recall for the recently-dropped Simon Mignolet, they improved and won the match through Sterling's 62nd-minute goal.
Having watched the Reds dominate Arsenal but only draw at the weekend, Rodgers admitted the team found another way to play and win and he was also impressed by the way Sterling, criticised a fortnight ago for missing a host of chances at Manchester United, delivered the killer blow.
"We had to show a different side to us, different types of qualities to what we showed against Arsenal and Bournemouth," said the Liverpool manager.
"We didn't play too well in the first half but we defended well, got our blocks in, stopped crosses and it didn't come into the box.
"I thought in terms of our character and resilience in the game we showed outstanding qualities when needed.
"There weren't many chances but the one clear one that came to us we put it away. We deserved three points for the character we showed."
On Sterling's effort in rounding goalkeeper Tom Heaton, having failed against David de Gea from a similar situation at Old Trafford, Rodgers added: "It showed what a great learner he is.
"He is in a position now where he will receive a lot of opportunities in that kind of situation because of his pace.
"His pace will take him away from anyone and since that game he has gone away with the coaches and worked on that type of finish, both left side and right side.
"He showed great composure and a great ability to learn, to beat the keeper and finished it really well.
"His development and ability to want to be better has got us the three points."
Rodgers also had praise for Mignolet despite an unexpected and less-than-convincing return to the side.
"I thought he did well. There was just the once when the ball went over the line (from a Mamadou Sakho backpass)," said the Liverpool manager.
"He has worked hard since he has come out of the team. He has kept a clean sheet and that was important."
Rodgers admitted he may look at an emergency loan after Jones' injury but it seems in the short term he will call on the youth team.
"We will just look at that. If he is missing out, we have young Danny Ward and he will come on to the bench," he said.
PA
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Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers admits both his side and Raheem Sterling showed they had learned lessons in the 1-0 win at Burnley.
After a woeful first half, when they lost goalkeeper Brad Jones to a thigh injury meaning a recall for the recently-dropped Simon Mignolet, they improved and won the match through Sterling's 62nd-minute goal.
Having watched the Reds dominate Arsenal but only draw at the weekend, Rodgers admitted the team found another way to play and win and he was also impressed by the way Sterling, criticised a fortnight ago for missing a host of chances at Manchester United, delivered the killer blow.
"We had to show a different side to us, different types of qualities to what we showed against Arsenal and Bournemouth," said the Liverpool manager.
"We didn't play too well in the first half but we defended well, got our blocks in, stopped crosses and it didn't come into the box.
"I thought in terms of our character and resilience in the game we showed outstanding qualities when needed.
"There weren't many chances but the one clear one that came to us we put it away. We deserved three points for the character we showed."
On Sterling's effort in rounding goalkeeper Tom Heaton, having failed against David de Gea from a similar situation at Old Trafford, Rodgers added: "It showed what a great learner he is.
"He is in a position now where he will receive a lot of opportunities in that kind of situation because of his pace.
"His pace will take him away from anyone and since that game he has gone away with the coaches and worked on that type of finish, both left side and right side.
"He showed great composure and a great ability to learn, to beat the keeper and finished it really well.
"His development and ability to want to be better has got us the three points."
Rodgers also had praise for Mignolet despite an unexpected and less-than-convincing return to the side.
"I thought he did well. There was just the once when the ball went over the line (from a Mamadou Sakho backpass)," said the Liverpool manager.
"He has worked hard since he has come out of the team. He has kept a clean sheet and that was important."
Rodgers admitted he may look at an emergency loan after Jones' injury but it seems in the short term he will call on the youth team.
"We will just look at that. If he is missing out, we have young Danny Ward and he will come on to the bench," he said.
PA
.
Liverpool edged past Burnley to pick up their first Boxing day victory under Brendan Rodgers‘ reign, having lost at Stoke and Man City in previous years.
The nightmare after Christmas was avoided thanks to Raheem Sterling‘s well taken second half goal, but for a long time especially in the first half it looked like being another disappointing festive result.
Thankfully, Sterling’s goal saved the day and gave Liverpool the three points at Turf Moor. Although, a lot of the post match focus was on other areas of the side.
Meanwhile, the goalkeeper situation reached farcical levels…
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Liverpool edged past Burnley to pick up their first Boxing day victory under Brendan Rodgers‘ reign, having lost at Stoke and Man City in previous years.
The nightmare after Christmas was avoided thanks to Raheem Sterling‘s well taken second half goal, but for a long time especially in the first half it looked like being another disappointing festive result.
Thankfully, Sterling’s goal saved the day and gave Liverpool the three points at Turf Moor. Although, a lot of the post match focus was on other areas of the side.
Meanwhile, the goalkeeper situation reached farcical levels…
.
Raheem Sterling scored the winner as Liverpool held off a dominant Burnley to take a 1-0 victory at Turf Moor.
The England forward rounded Tom Heaton before finding the net after Danny Ings had earlier fired a low shot against the upright, while Scott Arfield and George Boyd went close in a game largely dominated by the hosts.
Liverpool were under pressure for most of the match and will feel lucky to have held on to pick up a victory – their first in four Premier League games.
The hosts, meanwhile, remain in the relegation zone with defeat but will be encouraged by a very positive display.
Both sides named unchanged line-ups, with Brendan Rodgers keeping faith with the 3-4-3 formation that saw them earn a last-ditch point against Arsenal. Burnley, meanwhile, welcomed Sam Vokes back into the squad after a nine-month absence with a cruciate ligament injury.
Burnley started the far brighter of the two teams, and Ings almost gave the hosts a deserved lead as he received a throw before spinning on the spot and firing a low effort which hammered back off the near post.
Brad Jones was nowhere near the striker’s effort, and it soon became apparent the goalkeeper was not completely comfortable, coming off with a thigh injury moments later to be replaced by the much-scrutinised Simon Mignolet.
The hosts continued to press, and Ashley Barnes headed over after setting a sweeping move going, finding Dean Marney out wide before meeting the return ball to put it over the crossbar.
Dyche’s men went close once more 10 minutes before the break as they won a corner, and Arfield met a Liverpool clearance to volley a low effort which just deflected wide off the outstretched foot of Lucas.
Both Dean Marney and George Boyd fired efforts over as Burnley tried to make their possession and territory count, but they couldn’t find a way through before the break.
Their pressure continued, albeit with less intensity, in the early stages of the second half, but the sucker punch came on 63 minutes as Liverpool moved in front.
Philippe Coutinho flicked on Lucas’ header forward, and Sterling raced on to the ball beyond the defence, rounding Tom Heaton before firing the ball low into the empty net to give the visitors a surprise lead.
The hosts looked dejected and struggled to fashion another decent chance to level matters, as Liverpool started to keep the ball with more authority.
Coutinho fired a deflected effort wide inside the final 20 minutes, before substitute Rickie Lambert had the ball in the back of the net with a wonderful first-time shot, but the striker was denied a goal as the flag went up.
Burnley continued to press as Vokes was given his first appearance in nine months, but Dyche's men ran out of steam as Liverpool held firm during the latter stages and gave Rodgers a much-needed victory.
Raheem Sterling scored the winner as Liverpool held off a dominant Burnley to take a 1-0 victory at Turf Moor.
The England forward rounded Tom Heaton before finding the net after Danny Ings had earlier fired a low shot against the upright, while Scott Arfield and George Boyd went close in a game largely dominated by the hosts.
Liverpool were under pressure for most of the match and will feel lucky to have held on to pick up a victory – their first in four Premier League games.
The hosts, meanwhile, remain in the relegation zone with defeat but will be encouraged by a very positive display.
Both sides named unchanged line-ups, with Brendan Rodgers keeping faith with the 3-4-3 formation that saw them earn a last-ditch point against Arsenal. Burnley, meanwhile, welcomed Sam Vokes back into the squad after a nine-month absence with a cruciate ligament injury.
Burnley started the far brighter of the two teams, and Ings almost gave the hosts a deserved lead as he received a throw before spinning on the spot and firing a low effort which hammered back off the near post.
Brad Jones was nowhere near the striker’s effort, and it soon became apparent the goalkeeper was not completely comfortable, coming off with a thigh injury moments later to be replaced by the much-scrutinised Simon Mignolet.
The hosts continued to press, and Ashley Barnes headed over after setting a sweeping move going, finding Dean Marney out wide before meeting the return ball to put it over the crossbar.
Dyche’s men went close once more 10 minutes before the break as they won a corner, and Arfield met a Liverpool clearance to volley a low effort which just deflected wide off the outstretched foot of Lucas.
Both Dean Marney and George Boyd fired efforts over as Burnley tried to make their possession and territory count, but they couldn’t find a way through before the break.
Their pressure continued, albeit with less intensity, in the early stages of the second half, but the sucker punch came on 63 minutes as Liverpool moved in front.
Philippe Coutinho flicked on Lucas’ header forward, and Sterling raced on to the ball beyond the defence, rounding Tom Heaton before firing the ball low into the empty net to give the visitors a surprise lead.
The hosts looked dejected and struggled to fashion another decent chance to level matters, as Liverpool started to keep the ball with more authority.
Coutinho fired a deflected effort wide inside the final 20 minutes, before substitute Rickie Lambert had the ball in the back of the net with a wonderful first-time shot, but the striker was denied a goal as the flag went up.
Burnley continued to press as Vokes was given his first appearance in nine months, but Dyche's men ran out of steam as Liverpool held firm during the latter stages and gave Rodgers a much-needed victory.
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