Liverpool won three successive matches, and kept three clean sheets in a row, for the first time in the Premier League this season by beating West Ham United 2-0 this afternoon.

Raheem Sterling grabbed the opener before the returning Daniel Sturridge sealed the points for Liverpool, as Sam Allardyce extended his winless run at Anfield as a manager to 12 games.

Liverpool, who are now unbeaten in 42 top-flight home matches against West Ham, had the first attack of the game as the ball was fed through towards Sterling.

The 20-year-old did his best to get to the ball, but West Ham keeper Adrian read it well and came off his line early to hook the ball away.

A swift counter-attack from the Reds then saw Sterling drive into the box before cutting the ball back to Adam Lallana, who fired over the bar.

At the other end, Alex Song sent a through ball towards Enner Valencia, but Mignolet did well to come off his line quickly and smother the ball before the striker could get a shot away.

Some nice footwork from Sterling and Coutinho then allowed the latter to go for goal at the near post, but Adrian saved with his feet.

It was West Ham who looked the likelier to score as the half went on, and Mignolet denied Andy Carroll after the striker headed towards goal.

Liverpool came out with renewed determination following the restart and Sterling gave them the lead on 51 minutes with his sixth league goal of the season, after latching onto Coutinho's clever pass.

Despite taking the lead, Liverpool were pushed back by West Ham as they enjoyed a good spell of possession.

They responded by sending on Sturridge, who replaced Lazar Markovic for his long-awaited comeback from injury.

The striker had a good chance after getting hold of the ball and running towards the byline, but his effort was stopped by Adrian with his feet.

He was not to be denied a second time, however, as he secured the victory with a neat finish 10 minutes from time.