Liverpool kept up their push for a Champions League place with a comfortable victory over relegation-threatened Burnley at Anfield.
Goals from Jordan Henderson and Daniel Sturridge maintained the Reds' unbeaten Premier League run in 2015.
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Sturridge almost gave the Merseysiders the lead inside the opening minute when his effort was stopped by Burnley keeper Tom Heaton.
Henderson headed narrowly over from Phillipe Coutinho's corner before the midfielder was gifted an opportunity soon after from Heaton's poor punch, but could only sky his effort.
The stand-in captain finally put Brendan Rodgers's men ahead when his volley from the edge of the area proved too much for the Clarets shot-stopper.
Liverpool almost put daylight between the teams before half time when Sturridge found himself one on one with Tom Heaton, but the Burnley keeper was able to deny the England striker.
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However, Sturridge finally forged a way past Heaton early in the second period, after rising highest to meet Henderson's cross before heading into the back of the net.
Ashley Barnes fired narrowly wide on the hour mark, but that was as close as Burnley came to a fightback on a difficult night for the visitors.
Indeed, Liverpool could have added to their tally late on as Emre Can and Raheem Sterling had efforts saved by the busy Heaton, but the Reds coasted to a win that keeps them in touch with their rivals for a Champions League place.
Chris O'Keefe
