Brendan Rodgers says Liverpool were 'brilliant' in beating Newcastle 6-0

27 April 2013 20:27
Brendan Rodgers wants to move on from Luis Suarez's 10-match ban after praising Liverpool's 'brilliant' performance in the 6-0 mauling of Newcastle United. The trip to St James' Park was the first game of Suarez's suspension, which was imposed for biting Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic, and Liverpool made light of the striker's absence. His replacement Daniel Sturridge scored twice on Tyneside and Rodgers is keen to look forward as the Reds try to finish the season on a positive note. "It's been a very, very difficult week, I've got to say and it was a real test for us, but you have seen the concentration and focus today," Rodgers told ESPN. "Obviously, Luis has been brilliant for us, but we can only move forward with the players we have and they were outstanding today. "You might think we could come here with nothing to play for, but when you play for Liverpool every game is so important and it's just about finishing the season as strongly as we can so we can go into next season with some momentum." January signing Philippe Coutinho drew praise for an excellent performance, while Fabio Borini marked his first appearance since February by scoring just moments after coming on as a substitute. Rodgers added: "We were brilliant, we were so clinical. It was a terrific start for us and to get that early goal really helps and gives you confidence. "We talked during the week about our penetration and we have some wonderful technicians, and there is a pace and youthfulness in the side. "Coutinho can play in a couple of positions, but above all he's a master technician. He slides the ball in, lifts it over people and he was unfortunate not to get a great goal himself. "Sturridge can prove to be one of the top strikers in Europe in the next three years. He needs opportunities, but he has pace, power and can finish. Today he was phenomenal. "It was nice for Fabio to get a goal after coming off the bench after being out so long. "To score six goals and keep a clean sheet, it was very important for us."

Source: team_talk