Wednesday 17 December 2014 23:47, UK
Brendan Rodgers praised a rejuvenated Liverpool after seeing his side reach the Capital One Cup semi-final with a 3-1 win at Sky Bet Championship side Bournemouth.
Raheem Sterling, who had previously endured a 22-game goal drought for club and country, set the Reds on their way to an away win with a close-range header.
Lazar Markovic grabbed the second before Sterling added another for his fifth goal of the season, and Rodgers was in no doubt that the performance was vastly improved on recent showings.
"I thought we were excellent," Rodgers told Sky Sports.
"We've come away from home, we controlled the game and created many chances.
"Credit to Bournemouth as they kept going, even at 3-0.
"But overall for us it was a wonderful performance and we thoroughly deserved it.
"I saw enough at Old Trafford to suggest we were heading in the right direction, and tonight we proved that further."
Adam Lallana had nothing but praise for Sterling after two goals from the England forward showed the effects of Sunday's missed chances against Manchester United had passed.
"We knew we would have to show quality tonight and the little man (Sterling) was brilliant," Lallana said.
"Week in, week out he's worked hard and eventually his goals were going to come and it's a credit to how mature he is at such a young age."
Dan Gosling managed to pull a goal back for Bournemouth and then rattled a post, but the Championship leaders were unable to extend their 12-game unbeaten run.
Lallana admitted Liverpool had felt the pressure at times during the match, saying: "The crowd got behind them but at half-time we said they were going to have a spell.
"They're the home team and we needed to be professional, and we came out and got the third goal. Maybe we were a little bit complacent and allowed them to get the goal but they're not at the top of the Championship for no reason, so it was a really good win tonight and we're through to the semi-finals."
Sterling himself played down his personal achievement and instead reserved praise for the team's overall performance.
"It's been difficult the last few weeks but I think the boys did really well today," Sterling said.
"We deserved it, we played some great football at times and it's all credit to the lads.
"The most important thing is for the team to win and I'm happy to be involved, in and amongst the goals, but as long as the team wins I'm happy."
JAMIE REDKNAPP VERDICT
"I don’t care what centre-half you are, when you are facing that young man and he is running at you, you have got a real problem. Especially when Sturridge comes back, both can kick on. What he is up against at the moment in the form of Balotelli, Borini and Lambert, he is the best option. I have said it before but he is good enough to play anywhere he wants."