The Liverpool manager has praised the forward after another match-winning strike for the Reds and says he has all the attributes needed by an attacker at the top level

Brendan Rodgers labelled Daniel Sturridge as “one of the top strikers in the division” after the England striker fired Liverpool to another three points at Villa Park.

Sturridge, 23, who also scored the only goal of the match during Liverpool’s 1-0 victory at home to Stoke last weekend, has helped fill the void left by the suspended Luis Suarez.

The England international has picked up where he left off towards the end of last season and is repaying the faith put in him by Rodgers after unsuccessful spells at Manchester City and Chelsea.

Rodgers told reporters: “Daniel is a player that has proved that, when fit, he is one of the top strikers in the division. He has all the attributes, super quick, wonderful touch, great movement.

“He just needed an opportunity. He’s really grown into the club since he’s come in in January and his goal record is terrific so far.

When asked whether the balance of the team looked better without Suarez, Rodgers replied: “For me it is about the team.

“Suarez is a world class striker and he’s proven that in his time at Liverpool. For me, the focus will always be on the team and that was an outstanding team performance today.”

Meanwhile, Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert was full of praise for his players, despite the defeat, after completing a difficult set of opening fixtures.

The Midlands outfit were handed a daunting start to the season, have already faced Arsenal and Chelsea before taking on Liverpool.

He said: “The second half I thought we were excellent. We’ve played three teams that are expected to be in that top group and we’ve given every one a game. If we play like that for the rest of the season we’ll have a good season.”

Daniel Sturridge’s rich vein of form continued as his excellent first-half strike gave Liverpool a 1-0 Premier League win over Aston Villa.

Sturridge’s goal – his eighth in his last seven league matches – was all that separated the two sides on Saturday as Liverpool made it two wins from as many matches to start the new season.

In a fixture where both sides struggled to assert themselves, Liverpool’s win saw them make their best start to a Premier League season since the 2008-09 campaign, in which they finished second.

The triumph also extended their superb run at Villa Park, as they notched their 10th win at the venue since 1998.

Of the other six clashes, five have ended in draws, with Liverpool’s latest triumph their third in succession.

Close-season signings Jores Okore and Leandro Bacuna were drafted into Villa’s starting line-up by manager Paul Lambert, in place of Ciaran Clark and Karim El Ahmadi, while Liverpool were unchanged, although new loan signing Aly Cissokho won a place on the bench.

Neither side could find their rhythm in the opening stages, as the contrasting styles made for a cagey beginning, but Liverpool settled first.

Villa seemed content to give their opponents time on the ball and attack on the counter, playing into the hands of the visitors, and although they could not create a clear opening, Liverpool controlled the tempo with ease.

It took a piece of individual brilliance for Liverpool to take the lead, as outstanding footwork and a calm, composed finish from Sturridge delighted the travelling fans in the 21st minute.

The build-up was relatively innocuous, as a Jose Enrique ball from the left floated into the penalty area, but a smart dummy from Philippe Coutinho allowed Sturridge in.

And the in-form striker showcased his skill with a series of delicate touches to take the ball around Villa defender Antonio Luna, and goalkeeper Brad Guzan, before he poked into the top corner with the outside of his left foot from an acute angle.

In a half where chances were few and far between, Villa were continually frustrated by Liverpool’s consistent defensive shape, but they did go close in the 41st minute when Christian Benteke’s curling effort forced a terrific save from goalkeeper Simon Mignolet.

Villa finished stronger in the first half, as Andreas Weimann saw his shot deflected over, but Liverpool were well worth their lead at the break.

The second half started much like the first, with both sides struggling to convert possession into chances, and although Villa had more of the play, all they had to show for it initially was two Ashley Westwood efforts that went well over.

Villa’s attacks slowly became more frequent and Benteke powered a header over from a corner, but Liverpool – who brought on Cissokho for his debut late on – continued to hold firm.

Gabriel Agbonlahor and substitute Aleksandar Tonev went close with left-footed efforts as the hosts continued to press, while Mignolet made an excellent stop to deny Benteke after he broke free in the penalty area.

But Liverpool – who could have won a late penalty when Sturridge was felled in the area by Guzan, only for referee Mark Clattenburg to wave away the appeals – held on for an important three points as their perfect start to the season continued.

The Gunners are eyeing an audacious swoop for Karim Benzema, but will only secure the Frenchman’s signature if Real Madrid land Liverpool’s Uruguayan forward as his replacement

Arsene Wenger has suggested Arsenal’s transfer business in the remaining days of the window could be dictated by Liverpool striker Luis Suarez.

The 26-year-old forward had been a target for the Gunners this summer but their bids for his services proved unsuccessful, as the Anfield outfit refused to sell to a domestic rival, with the Uruguayan now resigned to staying on Merseyside.

Arsenal have since switched their attention to Real Madrid frontman Karim Benzema, but, as los Blancos‘ only senior striker, last term’s Liga runners-up would need a replacement before letting the Frenchman leave.

The arrival of reported Madrid target Suarez at the Santiago Bernabeu, however, could free Benzema to move to north London, a chain reaction Wenger has acknowledged.

“That’s part of the fact you need three agreements for anybody,” the French boss told reporters. “It’s true that it is sometimes connected with other clubs. But we have to accept that.”

Wenger, who has made only one signing so far this summer in Yaya Sanogo on a free transfer, remains adamant Arsenal will strengthen before the end of the window.

“We have our targets, we will try to achieve that and I am confident we will get there,” the 63-year-old continued. “We will not go into the new season with only the number of players we have.”

Although Arsenal’s move for Benzema hinges on Madrid securing a replacement, a deal for Argentine winger Angel Di Maria is thought to be more advanced.