Liverpool eases pressure on Rodgers with 3-2 win over Villa

Posted September 26, 2015 7:00 am

The Associated Press

Liverpool's James Milner, second right, scores the first goal of the game during their English Premier League soccer match against Aston Villa at Anfield, Liverpool, England, Saturday, Sept. 26, 2015. (Peter Byrne/PA via AP) UNITED KINGDOM OUT - NO ARCHIVES - NO SALES The Associated Press

LIVERPOOL, England (AP) - Liverpool eased the pressure on much-criticized manager Brendan Rodgers following a 3-2 win over Aston Villa on Saturday.

Rodgers' side was without a league victory since the second game of the season.

Stand-in captain James Milner gave the hosts the perfect start at Anfield when he struck the opener in the second minute, the fastest goal in the league this season.

Daniel Sturridge doubled the lead just before the hour mark, before three goals in five minutes set up a tense finish for Liverpool.

Unmarked Villa striker Rudy Gestede reduced the deficit from close range in the 66th, seconds before Sturridge restored Liverpool's two-goal advantage after a neat exchange with Philippe Coutinho.

Gestede headed in with aplomb to make it 3-2 but Liverpool held on for the points.

Aston Villa's Rudy Gestede, top right, scores his second goal during their English Premier League soccer match at Anfield, Liverpool, England, Saturday, Sept. 26, 2015. (Peter Byrne/PA via AP) UNITED KINGDOM OUT - NO SALES - NO ARCHIVES. The Associated Press

Aston Villa's Rudy Gestede, left, and Liverpool's Martin Skrtel battle for the ball during their English Premier League soccer match at Anfield, Liverpool, England, Saturday, Sept. 26, 2015. (Peter Byrne/PA via AP) UNITED KINGDOM OUT - NO SALES - NO ARCHIVES The Associated Press

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