James Milner believes Liverpool's aggressive start against Aston Villa was vital to securing three points in the aftermath of a gruelling midweek cup tie against Carlisle United.

The Reds needed extra-time and penalties to secure passage to the Capital One Cup fourth round on Wednesday but showed no signs of sluggishness in the early stages of their return to Barclays Premier League action.

Milner, who again wore the captain's armband in the absence of Jordan Henderson, capitalised on the hosts' dominance after just 66 seconds when he sent home a controlled left-footed finish.

And the stand-in skipper believes putting Tim Sherwood's side on the back foot from the off was key to an eventual 3-2 victory.

"It was really important we started well," he told Liverpoolfc.com.

"Having extra-time just on Wednesday and playing on Saturday afternoon, it is a quick turnaround and takes a lot out of you.

"It would have been very easy to be lethargic after that game and it was so important to be on the front foot and start energised and with tempo. 

"The boys were feeling it out there second half and a lot of effort went into the last two games, but to still be in the hat for the League Cup and to get three points today is great character from the lads and I'm delighted for them.

"We're a bit disappointed to concede a couple goals but I think it shows the character in the squad. 

"Being a couple of goals up and conceding one, we didn't go into our shells, we went right down the other end and got on the front foot and scored again."

Milner's second-minute goal was his first in competitive action for Liverpool since his summer switch from Manchester City.

The 29-year-old admitted to feeling relieved to finally hit the back of the net having gone close on a number of occasions of late.

"It's been a frustrating few games before now and I maybe could have been on the scoresheet [before] but I'm delighted to do that," he continued.

"It's all about the win today, it is nice to contribute and score but the win was vitally important. 

"We've had 70 shots in the last two games and not quite had that luck so it's pleasing to get a few goals today and I'm sure this win can kick-start us."

The experienced midfielder also reflected on the end of a six-game run without a victory for the Reds.

"With the way we've been playing the last two games, we've been a bit unlucky with the shots we've had - we've dominated the games and conceded a few goals we can work on," Milner explained.

"The [Manchester] United game we probably didn't play like we know we can, and that's more disappointing. 

"But I think if we know we're doing the right things - getting the ball forward, dominating possession, creating chances - that's the most important thing. 

"Football is a crazy game, lots of things get said and it changes so fast. 

"We just need make sure that we concentrate on what's happening in that dressing room with the backroom staff, the manager and the players, we stick together and hopefully this can kick-start this next run of games for us."