Brendan Rodgers believes Liverpool's victory over Manchester United perfectly demonstrated the progress his side have made since he arrived at Anfield – but warned no-one will be getting carried away by the flawless start to 2013-14.

The Reds recorded a third straight 1-0 win in the Premier League thanks once again to a Daniel Sturridge goal to go top of the Barclays Premier League table.

However, though delighted at his side's 100 per cent beginning to the new campaign, Rodgers insists Liverpool still have much hard work to do.

The boss told his post-match press conference: "It's another step [forward] for us. I mentioned in the press the other day, since we last played Manchester United in January, we had both played 18 league games and there were only two points difference.

"Obviously they went on to become champions and we suffered because of our form in the first half of the season.

"But today was another indicator that the winning mentality we're growing and evolving all the time in the group is becoming stronger. You could see from the reaction that the togetherness is very good and that is going to be important for us this year.

"We drew too many of the big games last year and we lost home and away to Manchester United, so today was another step to show we're going in the right direction - but there's still a long way to go."

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He added: "We won't be getting carried away. We've got a lot to improve and a lot of work ahead of us.

"The initial challenge this year is to try and get into the top four and be in the conversation for that for as long as we can. I don't think we can look at anything beyond that for a long time yet."

Liverpool were required to display outstanding battling qualities to claim the win over United as the reigning Barclays Premier League title holders pressed heavily in search of a second-half equaliser.

Rodgers was pleased with the defensive aspect of his side's game and remains confident the Reds' attacking play will continue to evolve as the season progresses.

He reflected: "I thought the result was outstanding and defensively we were very, very good. Obviously Manchester United played well, but I thought our concentration and defensive qualities were outstanding today.

"We'll be more fluid as the season goes on and we'll become better, but these are the big games we wanted to be winning this year - we drew too many last year. I think you could see the spirit and togetherness in the team, playing against the champions. It's always a tough game.

"To get the three points and three wins out of three, I can only be happy with that."

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Sturridge was again the match winner, with his third-minute header ensuring he has scored in all four of Liverpool's competitive matches so far this season.

Rodgers, though, felt every man in red played their own part in clinching the win in front of a passionate Anfield crowd.

"From the goalkeeper right the way through to Daniel Sturridge, the 11 players and the guys who came off the bench all played a big part today in the victory," he said.

"Through the spine of the team, Sturridge was excellent, Steven Gerrard has shown at 33 he's still got the composure, tenacity and quality to play in these games, and the two centre-halves were excellent. The goalkeeper was assured, safe and very motivated.

"Today was about the team and they got the rewards with a terrific performance."