Raheem: Show same courage against City
A similar showing of courage against Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur as that which secured a 2-1 victory over Southampton is the requirement for Liverpool, believes Raheem Sterling.
The 19-year-old struck the opening goal as the Saints were beaten at Anfield on Sunday, collecting a remarkable Jordan Henderson assist and calmly side-footing into the Kop net.
Ronald Koeman's side levelled through an incisive team manoeuvre finished by Nathaniel Clyne, forcing the Reds to dig deep to ensure they started the season with three points.
Sterling was involved in the decisive moment too; it was his header back into the danger area that found Daniel Sturridge, who beat Fraser Forster for a crucial winner.
The fixture list now throws up consecutive away trips to rivals City and Spurs before the end of August, though Liverpool's No.31 took cause for confidence from yesterday.
"If we play our normal game, we'll be fine in those two games," he told Liverpoolfc.com after the final whistle. "Today we showed courage and that's what we need to show at City next week.
"We'll go out and play our usual game, and hopefully we can get the three points. Last season we had a tough start as well but we got the wins.
"That's what we're looking to do, taking it game by game. We'll go out there next week and try to do our best and get the three points again."
Extending his analysis to the clash with Southampton, Sterling continued: "It was a tough game towards the end and they pushed us all the way. But the most important thing is to get three points.
"Sometimes it's not about pretty football, it's about grinding out the result and that's what we did today. And we showed some great football at times."
The England international was on target 10 times in 2013-14 as he firmly established a starting position in Brendan Rodgers' youthful, energetic team.
After hitting the ground running with his goal against the Saints, Sterling admitted he has personal targets for the campaign but maintaining his progress trumps all else.
He added: "I can't share them but I've set myself targets and hopefully I can meet them this season.
"I'm taking it step by step to continue my learning and development. Hopefully I can do my best. I'm looking forward to meeting my targets."