Brendan Rodgers admits he told Philippe Coutinho to score more goals at Liverpool and feels the midfielder is now striking the ball like a "proper Brazilian", after he fired the Reds to a 2-1 win over Manchester City.

The game started as a superb attacking spectacle, with both sides signalling their intent to take all three points from the fixture.




Liverpool were the side to take the lead, the goal coming in the eleventh minute when Jordan Henderson hit a neat right-footed strike from the edge of the area past Citizens goalkeeper Joe Hart.

 


Manchester City quickly hit back and Sergio Aguero struck the post. It was a warning Liverpool did not heed as Aguero then played in Edin Dzeko, who equalised in the 25th minute for the visitors.

But Liverpool were dominant in the second half and got their reward when Coutinho hit a superb curling long-range shot which Hart could not get to, putting the Reds 2-1 up in the 75th minute.

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Manchester City brought on Wilfried Bony to chase the game, but Liverpool stood firm and grabbed the three points.

Rodgers says he was not surprised at the two superb goals his players scored, telling Sky Sports: "I'm lucky where I have the chance to see these players every day.

"Jordan Henderson gets into wonderful positions and has a wonderful strike.

"We said to Philippe Coutinho that he needs to improve his goals because of the quality he has and now he's shooting like a proper Brazilian."

The Liverpool manager is not though looking too far ahead and is now focusing on Burnley.

"We just need to concentrate on Burnley. Since the game back in November our points totals and performance levels have been very good.

"I believe if we can get into the top four this season it will be a better achievement than last season."

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