Liverpool news: Adam Lallana hails 'predator' Christian Benteke after first Anfield goal

Liverpool midfielder Adam Lallana has lauded Christian Benteke as a 'predator' after his match-winning strike against Bournemouth. The Belgian forward was on the scoresheet for his new club for the first time on 19 August, with his solitary effort proving the difference in a 1-0 win over the Cherries.

Lallana was clearly impressed with the efforts of the former Aston Villa hitman in attack at Anfield, and is in no doubt that he can be a major presence for the Reds this season.

"It was a real poacher's finish. It was a great ball in from Hendo [Jordan Henderson] and Benteke is a predator in the box," he told the official Liverpool website.

"That finish was brilliant technically – getting good contact on the ball like that. He almost got another one at the end when he hit the crossbar. That's what he's all about.

"He's a big presence up there. He's great in the air and good with his feet. He brings teammates into play."

Lallana also said that a second consecutive clean sheet serves as a major confidence boost for Liverpool, who were forced to work hard by Eddie Howe's side at Anfield.

The former Southampton playmaker knows the team's performance might not have been the most eye-catching possible, but digging in for victory is a crucial part of a successful campaign.

"It was a big result for us. Six points out of six and two clean sheets – that's massive for us confidence-wise," he added.

"We dug in and got the three points with another clean sheet. We're going to have to scrap for results this year. People asked questions about our mentality and our fighting spirit last week at Stoke. We showed that there and we took it into the Bournemouth game. Sometimes you have to win a game 1-0.

"We know there's room for improvement and we're working hard in training to achieve that. But I also think it's important to see this side of us. There's no doubt we have a lot of ability in the squad and I think you'll see our performances improve over the coming weeks."

Brendan Rodgers' side face Arsenal in the Premier League next, and Lallana is confident his manager will put together a game-plan that can lead to points at the Emirates Stadium.

The Reds have lost on their last three visits to north London in league and cup, but the England international is hoping for a different outcome this time round.

"We'll go to Arsenal with a game plan to keep this run going. We've got a full week to prepare – hopefully we can go there and put on a good show," he concluded.

"They are always difficult games against the top four. They are good teams. Arsenal will be tough but we have a week to prepare for it.

"The manager will set us up to get a result there. We've had two clean sheets in two games and we'll be looking for a third on Monday night. We're going there to try to get the win."