Half-Time Report: Early James Milner goal gives Liverpool lead against Aston Villa

An early James Milner goal has given Liverpool a 1-0 lead at half time against Aston Villa.

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Liverpool made a superb start to the match, as Philippe Coutinho threaded a pass into space, before Milner latched on to the ball and drilled a low shot past Brad Guzan on two minutes.

Emre Can and Daniel Sturridge both tested Guzan in the first 10 minutes, but their efforts were comfortable for the American keeper.

Rudy Gestede missed two good opportunities to find an equaliser for the visitors, as the target man's header from a Jordan Amavi cross was kept out by Simon Mignolet, before the Benin international striker volleyed wide from an Alan Hutton delivery.

Coutinho forced a good save from Guzan with a deflected shot, before Scott Sinclair looked for an equaliser from distance, but his effort fell straight to Mignolet.