James Milner points finger at Manchester City amid Liverpool turmoil

James Milner (right) scored Liverpool's opener at the weekend

JAMES MILNER says Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers is not to blame for their recent slump - and that the Reds are doing just as well as Manchester City this season.

 

Milner scored Liverpool's opener in their 3-2 victory over Aston Villa on Saturday.

Two goals from Daniel Sturridge and a Rudi Gestete double for Villa made for an exciting game at Anfield.

 

But the Reds came out on top to end a six-game winless streak and move up to eighth in the Premier League.

And former City player Milner insists the scrutiny that manager Rodgers is under should be relieved.

 

"A lot of things that have been said are disappointing and frustrating really," the England international said.

"I've been really impressed with the manager. Preparation here is second to none.

"There are people giving criticism from outside the club but I think Manchester City have lost more games than us this season.

"You have to stick together."

Indeed, both City and Liverpool have lost twice in the Premier League this season, with Manuel Pellegrini's men also going down 2-1 to Juventus in the Champions League.

Brendan Rodgers has admitted some fans don't want him at the club

City suffered a 4-1 humbling at Tottenham last Saturday and face Borussia Monchengladbach in Europe in two day's time.

The two-time Premier League champions are not set to meet Liverpool until November, with the teams penned in to clash at Anfield at the start of March.