Raheem Sterling's sixth goal of the season earned Liverpool their first win in four Premier League games as Burnley paid for a string of missed chances.

Danny Ings hit the post from distance, with Ashley Barnes firing the rebound over as the Clarets dominated.

Scott Arfield went close, before Sterling rounded Tom Heaton following Philippe Coutinho's clever flick.

Liverpool keeper Brad Jones was forced off with a thigh injury and substitute Simon Mignolet was far from convincing.

Liverpool climb to ninth in the Premier League.

Yet they remain a shadow of the side that went into last season's Christmas programme on top of the Premier League.

This was an uncomfortable afternoon for Brendan Rodgers's side, who were poor for long periods.

In contrast, Burnley, who drop to 19th, were dominant and showed great heart and desire.

But their inability to take chances cost them dear and they face starting 2015 in the relegation zone unless they can pull off one of the surprises of the season at Manchester City on Sunday.