Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers says victory over Tottenham was crucial in the development of his young team.

Liverpool recorded three successive league victories for the first time since May 2011 but it was as much about character as performance for the Reds boss.

"It was very important win for us," said the Northern Irishman, whose team also beat a top-four side for the first time this season.

"We are on a great run at the moment and we knew this was going to be a severe test of our qualities and character against a team in great form.

"For us to get three points and show the character was fantastic and I am delighted for the players because they worked ever so hard.

"You can see the mentality in the group. I thought we had to show different characteristics today than what we have had to do in recent weeks.

"We've been comfortable in a lot of the games and been able to control them but against a top side we came through.

"I had to make some changes in the game to get the control back in our favour and when we did that I thought we were good value for the win."