The midfielder netted twice against Swansea in a thrilling 4-3 win at Anfield and was pleased with his second effort, the eventual winning goal

Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson hailed his winning goal in Sunday’s 4-3 triumph over Swansea City as his most important for the club.

Henderson struck 16 minutes from time at Anfield to wrap up three points for the hosts in a captivating clash that saw Swansea fight back from 2-0 and 3-2 down to level.

The former Sunderland man had scored Liverpool’s second with a long-range effort and, while his winner was less pleasing on the eye, he claimed it was much more important.

“The second one was pleasing because I’ve been trying to arrive in the box a lot more, and to find the back of the net then was very pleasing as well,” he told the club’s official website.

“It was a good goal and that’s probably the most important one I’ve scored here.”

Henderson has four goals from 32 appearances this season having become an established starter under Rodgers this season.

With the 23-year-old touted as a potential member of Roy Hodgson’s England squad for the World Cup, Henderson believes that he still has improvements to make.

“I’ve still got a long way to go and a lot to do to improve my game. Goals are one, but there are a lot of other things,” he continued.

“I’ll just continue to do what I’ve been doing and work hard in training. Hopefully I can keep improving.”

The division’s top four teams all recorded victories over the weekend and bet365 now have both teams priced at 11/8 to win the title

Chelsea may have left it late in the first Premier League game of the weekend but their late winner against Everton meant they retained their place atop the Premier League.

It was a good week for favourite backers as Manchester City, Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool all recorded victories and bet365 now have both front runners priced at 11/8 (2.38) to win the title. Those prices are despite the fact that Manchester City are still three points behind the Blues, albeit they do have a game in hand.

Arsenal’s comprehensive win over Sunderland meant they kept up with the Blues, sitting just one point behind them in second place. You certainly wouldn’t believe that looking at the odds though as the bookmakers continue to show little faith in the Gunners, pricing them at 15/2 (8.50).

Arsenal do have several tough games to come but their last five Premier League matches are against West Ham, Hull, Newcastle, West Brom and Norwich. Several of those sides could have their fates decided by the time they face the Gunners and there appear to be plenty of reasons to be bullish for Arsenal backers at this stage.

If Wenger’s men can stay within a couple of points of the front-runners, you could certainly make a case for that 15/2 (8.50) looking like a solid value bet at this stage of the campaign.

Liverpool have been clipped into a single figure price in recent weeks following four wins in their last five and Brendan Rodgers’ men are available to back at 8/1 (9.0) .

The Reds now have the joint-best form in the division over the last five matches and although a title challenge may be just beyond them, a place in the Champions League is looking more and more likely by the week, especially following Tottenham’s 1-0 defeat at the hands of struggling Norwich City on Sunday afternoon. Liverpool are now as short as 1/6 (1.17) to secure Champions League football next season.

At the bottom of the division it doesn’t get any better for Cardiff City, Ole Gunnar Solksjaer was unable to prevent the Bluebirds slipping to a third defeat in five and they are now just 2/7 (1.29) to be relegated with bottom club Fulham also odds-on at 4/11 (1.37).

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The England international scored twice in Sunday’s victory over Swansea, taking his tally to 18 Premier League goals this term, while there was also praise for Jordan Henderson

Brendan Rodgers has lauded the form of on-fire striker Daniel Sturridge and, in a warning to the rest of the Premier League, is confident the Liverpool frontman can get even better.

The former Chelsea forward took his tally for the season to 18 goals in 19 league matches, and is now second only to team-mate Luis Suarez in the scoring charts thanks to a run of eight consecutive matches with a goal.

Sturridge showed his predatory instincts to net twice in a 4-3 victory over Swansea City on Sunday, and Rodgers is relieved the 24-year-old plays for the Reds and not against them.

“He’s a natural goal-scorer,” said the Liverpool boss. “He has great pace and it was a wonderful pass by young Raheem [Sterling] for his first goal. That gave us a great start and it was a really good finish.

“His second goal is in an area of his game he needs to improve. It was a lovely ball by Luis, clipped in, and he’s finished it really well with the header.

“He just looks like he can score in every single game. He’s got that ability, he’s got that quality. Thankfully, he plays for us here and he’s still got a lot of improving to do.”

Jordan Henderson also netted twice against Garry Monk’s men and Rodgers says he has been encouraging the former Sunderland midfielder to get into the box due to his composure in front of goal.

“Jordan, he showed great leadership,” added the Northern Irishman. “You could see him driving the team on.

“We have been talking to him about getting him up there. In training, his finishing is sublime. He practises and works at it.

“His second goal really pleased me. I try to get him into the box because he has got the energy and he did that to score the winner.”