Liverpool make it 12 unbeaten with Burnley win

Jordan Henderson inspired his Liverpool side to a 2-0 win over Burnley at Anfield, scoring on his 200th Premier League start for the club before setting up a second for Daniel Sturridge.

Much of the pre-match talk centred around whether or not Steven Gerrard would feature after his return to training, but it was Liverpool’s new skipper who put in a captain’s performance reminiscent of the Reds talisman.

Having already stung the hands of Tom Heaton, Henderson put his side ahead moments later with a stunning strike from outside the box before turning provider with a wonderful cross to pick out Dean Sturridge, who celebrated his return to the starting line-up by heading home early in the second half.

The result means that Liverpool stretch their unbeaten run in the Premier League to 12 matches and they leapfrog Southampton to fifth in the table. But time appears to be running out for Sean Dyche’s men, with Burnley second to bottom and three points from safety.

1’ – GOOD SAVE HEATON: Lallana lays it off to Sturridge and his shot is arrowing in the corner before the keeper gets down to touch it around the post.

23’- HEATON SAVES AGAIN: Sterling sets it for Henderson and his side footed is well saved again by the Burnley keeper.

29’ – GOAL! Liverpool 1-0 Burnley: This time Henderson is not to be denied, his thunderous strike from outside the box flying past Heaton.

42’ – HEATON TO THE RESCUE: It’s a third good save of the half, his outstretched leg saving from Sturridge who was put through on goal by Coutinho.

51’ – GOAL! Liverpool 2-0 Burnley: Henderson dinks in a lovely ball onto the head of Daniel Sturridge, who heads past Heaton.

Jordan Henderson plays his 200th match in the Premier League (129 Liverpool, 71 Sunderland). He has completed the most matches from any Liverpool player this season in the PL (25).

Jordan Henderson has scored his fourth PL goal of 2014/15 – equalling his tally from the whole of last season (four in 2013/14). He has only scored more PL goals in a single season in 2012/13 (five).

Jordan Henderson scores in successive PL matches for only the second time in his career, after Jan 2013.

Daniel Sturridge scores for only the second time in six matches since his return from injury in the PL. All of his three PL goals this season have come at Anfield (W2).

Liverpool remain the only unbeaten team in the Premier League in 2015: they have won 20 points from a possible 24 since January 1, the most in the division.

Liverpool are unbeaten in 12 PL matches (home and away), since losing 3-0 at Old Trafford on 14 December; they managed a 16-match unbeaten run between January and April last term.

Toothless Burnley set for the drop: It was always going to be a tough assignment but Burnley’s lack of supply to Danny Ings and a tough run-in means they’re almost certain to go down.

Jordan Henderson (Liverpool): Picking up where he left off against Manchester City, Henderson put in another magnificent display that will have Liverpool fans purring. They appear to have found a suitable replacement for Steven Gerrard without the need to look elsewhere.

Liverpool: Mignolet 6, Can 7, Skrtel 6, Lovren 6, Henderson 8, Allen 6, Moreno 6, Lallana 6, Sterling 7, Coutinho 7, Sturridge 7. SUBS: Johnson 6, Toure 6, Lambert 6.

Burnley: Heaton 7; Trippier 6, Keane 6, Shackell 7, Mee 6; Kightly 6, Jones 6, Arfield 7, Boyd 6; Barnes 6, Ings 6. SUBS: Vokes 6, Wallace 6, Jutkiewicz 6.