Brendan Rodgers praises "excellent" Christian Benteke

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has praised new striker Christian Benteke after his goal against Bournemouth helped clinch a 1-0 win in their Premier League meeting at Anfield.

The former Aston Villa man opened the scoring with a close-range finish from Jordan Henderson's cross, with the top-flight debutants unable to pull level despite a fluid, attacking performance.

Rodgers told Sky Sports News: "We said it would be a tough game. Defensively we were very good. Our play was better after the goal, I am very pleased.

"Christian Benteke gives us other options, his hold-up play was excellent. When the ball comes into the box he is a real threat and handful. He deserved his goal.

"I'm very pleased for the players, six points, two clean sheets and the team will grow. A glut of new players finding their feet."

Liverpool are third in the Premier League table after winning both of their games so far.