Brendan Rodgers hailed Liverpool match-winner Daniel Sturridge
Sturridge has been plagued by injuries over the last year but returned to scoring form with a sublime volley after James Milner opened the scoring.
And he pounced again to make the three points safe.
Rodgers believes the 26-year-old is not even back to his best yet and warned that even more was still to come.
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Sturridge broke out into his familiar celebration after finding the back of the net
However, despite being delighted with the win, the under-pressure boss bemoaned his frail defence for shipping two goals.
Rudy Gestede netted with the score at 2-0 and pulled Villa back to 3-2 to set up a nervy final 20 minutes.
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Rudy Gestede set up a nervy finish with a towering header 20 minutes before the end
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"Our only disappointment today was the two sloppy goals we conceded, both down to mistakes," Rodgers said.
"Thankfully today the two Daniels up front were outstanding.
Brendan Rodgers Manager Profile
"Sturridge showed what we missed for over a year – he makes the difference and helps you compete.
"His finishes were brilliant. He’s nowhere near 100% fit yet.
"There was a couple of moments when he’d be away at his best but wasn't today. His two goals were the difference."