Raheem Sterling's cool finish has given Liverpool a 1-0 lead over Southampton at the break of their opening Premier League game at Anfield.

The first shot of the game arrived in the seventh minute when Daniel Sturridge's long-range effort whizzed past the post.

Southampton weren't seeing too much of the ball, but they managed to keep Liverpool at bay until the midway point of the half when Sterling broke the deadlock.

Jordan Henderson won the ball in midfield before picking out England teammate Sterling with a well-weighted through ball and the young forward slotted past Saints debutant Fraser Forster from 12 yards.

James Ward-Prowse was Southampton's biggest goal threat and he almost equalised from a long-range free kick that Simon Mignolet had to claw out of the top corner.

Mignolet was then called into action again just before the interval when Morgan Schneiderlin's curling shot threatened to dip under the crossbar.

Liverpool quickly broke down the other end and had the last shot of the half through Sterling, who stung the palms of Forster from 20 yards.

Follow Sports Mole's coverage of the second half by clicking here.