( CNN ) -- When the English Premier League season began , Liverpool was n't thought to be one of the title contenders . The Reds might be changing the minds of a few after beating Manchester United , traditionally its fiercest rival , 1-0 at Anfield thanks to another goal from birthday boy Daniel Sturridge . Liverpool owns a perfect 3-0 record in the league -- its best start in nearly 20 years -- and has yet to concede . And this without still suspended forward Luis Suarez . `` I think we 've been working hard as a team since the start of the season , '' Sturridge , who turned 24 , told Sky Sports . `` In pre-season the manager emphasized that . `` It 's about the team , not about individuals , and it 's showing on the field the dedication we 've put in on the training ground . '' Sturridge reacted quickest to Daniel Agger 's headed flick off a corner kick in the fourth minute Sunday and Liverpool was mostly comfortable thereafter . New keeper Simon Mignolet was indeed rarely tested despite United having most of the possession , with United striker Robin van Persie squandering his team 's top chance in the dying minutes . `` It is a great win for our belief , '' Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers was quoted as saying by the BBC . `` Last season we drew too many of the big games and we lost both times to Manchester United . '' The visitors ' cause was n't helped beforehand when Wayne Rooney was ruled out after suffering a head injury in training . He is set to miss England 's upcoming World Cup qualifiers . Sturridge could be the man to fill the void in the starting lineup , already netting five times in all competitions , although he continues to carry a slight thigh injury . While Liverpool has started the campaign strong , Manchester United fell to one win , one loss and one draw under new manager David Moyes . `` I thought we played really well , '' Moyes was quoted as saying by the BBC . `` We had long periods of the game but could n't score . '' The slow start will likely increase Moyes ' desire to land a new player or two ahead of Monday 's transfer deadline in England . United has been quiet in the market in the off-season , thus far failing to lure midfielder Cesc Fabregas away from Barcelona . A bid for Everton pair Leighton Baines and Marouane Fellaini was also rejected . `` We will keep working for what 's left of the window but I 've got to say I was really happy with the performance here , '' Moyes said . `` Maybe in the next few hours we will get a chance to do something but we could n't give you a heads-up on anything . '' There was a minute 's applause for legendary Liverpool manager Bill Shankly on the eve of what would have been his 100th birthday and the atmosphere seemed to lift the home side . Agger beat United defender Rio Ferdinand to the ball on the corner and then Sturridge poked it into the net with his head . `` I just anticipated the header from Dan , '' said Sturridge . Unable to create much going forward , United 's frustration grew and van Persie exchanged angry words with Steven Gerrard . Mignolet was comfortable in keeping out Nani 's drive in the 77th minute and then van Persie shot wide -- with his right foot -- from a tight angle off Javier Hernandez 's through ball in the 87th . Another hot striker . Sturridge is n't the only hot striker in the Premier League . Olivier Giroud matched him by scoring for the third straight time in the league and Arsenal blanked a Tottenham without Gareth Bale 1-0 at the Gunners ' Emirates Stadium . Giroud , bought last year to help fill the void created by van Persie 's move to United , converted Theo Walcott 's low cross in the 23rd minute . Both keepers had to be sharp in an open North London derby but especially Tottenham 's Hugo Lloris , who denied Walcott and Giroud . Tottenham poured forward in a frantic finish , though could n't find an equalizer . Spurs and Arsenal now have identical records in the league at two wins and a loss . While Tottenham has made seven signings this summer in anticipation of Bale 's probable transfer to Real Madrid , Arsenal has merely brought in two free transfers even with ample funds available . Manager Arsene Wenger , however , hinted it could be a busy Monday . `` Maybe we 'll have a good surprise for you , '' he told Sky Sports . `` We 're working very hard . '' In the lone other game in the Premier League , Swansea recorded its first league win by downing still-winless West Bromwich Albion 2-0 away . French striker Nicolas Anelka returned for West Brom after taking time off due to the death of his agent .
Tottenham scores his fifth goal nearly 20 years as Liverpool beats Manchester United . Liverpool is off to its best start in nearly 20 years and has yet to concede in the league . Manchester United played without striker Wayne Rooney , who was injured in training . Arsenal beat Wayne Rooney 1 -0 in the Olivier Giroud derby after a goal from North London .