Christian Benteke Keen To Stay At Top With Liverpool

Liverpool striker Christian Benteke hopes his winning goal against Bournemouth can provide the platform for a successful Premier League title challenge this season.

The Reds’ £32m summer signing from Aston Villa struck from close range on his Anfield debut on Monday to secure a 1-0 victory over the Cherries, although referee Craig Pawson allowed the goal to stand despite Philippe Coutinho appearing to be offside.

Liverpool have now won their opening two games to sit alongside Manchester City, Leicester and Manchester United at the summit, with goal difference putting them in third place.

Benteke said: “It was important for me on my debut at Anfield to score and help the team win.

“Now we have six points, we are top of the league and we want to keep going and work hard to stay there.

“I’m settled. I am happy and I try to improve myself and be there for my team-mates.”

As in their season-opening win at Stoke, Liverpool lacked fluency and were not convincing against Bournemouth, something that was acknowledged by defender Martin Skrtel.

The Slovakian told LFC TV: “The win is all that counts and our three points are important. I am also happy that we kept a clean sheet again.

“I must admit they were lively and dangerous, played well and had a couple of good chances.”

SKYSPORTS