Half-Time Report: Liverpool lead through Daniel Sturridge strike

Liverpool lead Aston Villa 1-0 at half time in this evening's Premier League contest, thanks to a neat finish from Daniel Sturridge.

The Reds fired a warning shot in the 16th minute when Jose Enrique lined up Philippe Coutinho and the Brazilian curled an effort high and wide.

Brendan Rodgers's side took the lead four minutes later through the in-form Sturridge, who rounded Brad Guzan from a tight angle to claim his second goal in as many games.

Villa almost snatched an equaliser three minutes before the break when Christian Benteke worked his way into space and let fly, forcing Simon Mignolet into a save.

A deflected effort from Andreas Weimann moments later was equally close, but Villa could not find a leveller before the interval.