Liverpool v Aston Villa Match Report

Unlucky Liverpool managed just a point at Anfield against Aston Villa with a 1-1 draw.

Striker Dirk Kuyt was all over Villa from the beginning, giving keeper Shay Given a startle early on but he grasped onto it, denying the Dutch international.

But Villa found the back of their goal first. Barry Bannan passed the ball to James Herd, who then put it past stand-in Red keeper Doni.

Before the halftime whistle was blown, Liverpool called for two penalties but both were denied by the referee including a potential handball and Luis Suarez being fouled inside the box. Instead the referee saw the foul as a dive and the Uruguayan saw a yellow card.

The biggest blow of the evening was when captain Steven Gerrard crossed the ball into the box, but Kuyt missed his chance at point blank range and somehow the ball went over the net instead of in it.

Given definitely saw more threat from Liverpool in the second half. First he had to stop a header from Suarez, and then he came under pressure from substitutes Craig Bellamy and Daniel Agger.

With only eight minutes to spare, Liverpool levelled the score. Agger attempted to head the ball into the net from a corner, but it was salvaged by Suarez from two yards out and put past the Villa keeper.

Liverpool’s spirits were obviously lifted after that, and they spent the last few moments putting pressure on, including a last minute effort by Gerrard. Villa were able to hold on though, and both teams walked away with a point each.

Liverpool v Aston Villa Match Report

Gerard Houllier’s return to Anfield was not as he wanted, as he walked away losing 3-0 against Liverpool Monday night.

Liverpool were even without some of their top players, such as Steven Gerrard, Jamie Carragher, and Fernando Torres who missed the game due to his wife going into labour.

The game seemed to go wrong nearly from the start, as the ball bounced off defender Martin Skrtel’s head, onto David Ngog’s, then into the back of the net 13 minutes in.

Only two minutes later did midfielder Lucas chip the ball to Ryan Babel, who then put it past Villa keeper Brad Friedel to make it 2-0.

Aston Villa failed to make anything happen, leaving the game one-sided in the first half.

However the beginning of the second half saw a livelier Villa. The visiting side finally had their chance in the 53rd minute when Gabriel Agbonlahor took a shot six yards away from the goal, but was swiftly denied a goal by Reds’ keeper Pepe Renia.

Desperate for a goal, Villa’s players were pushing forward, consequently leaving holes in the defense.

This gave Liverpool midfielder Maxi Rodriguez to easily break through and make it 3-0 in the 55th minute. The goal puts Liverpool +1 in goal difference on the league table.

Villa’s John Carew nearly scored right after subbing for Agbonlahor 66 minutes into the match, but Reina saved it. It would be Villa’s second, and last, attempt on target.

Liverpool nearly made it worse for Houllier’s side with close attempts by both Glen Johnson and Sotirios Kyrgiakos.

Pepe Reina, playing captain for the night while Gerrard and Carragher are both injured, walked away from the match with his 100th clean sheet in record time for the club.

Aston Villa are currently two places from the relegation zone on the Premier League table. Liverpool’s win put them in 8th position from 12th.

Liverpool v Aston Villa Match Preview

Gerard Houllier will be returning to Anfield today after six years, but this time as manager of Aston Villa.

Aston Villa have won only once in their last six league games and hope to add nothing but a win to their record at Liverpool on this cold wintery Monday night at 8pm.

Liverpool also need nothing but three points. They have been inconsistent so far this season, and that has seen them currently in 12th place in the Barclays Premier League.

A win will see the Reds to at least 9th place, but it still puts them in a better position and possibly as contenders for a Champions League spot.

Unfortunately, both teams are very injury-plagued at the moment.

Liverpool are still without captain Steven Gerrard due to hamstring and co-captain Jamie Carragher, who underwent a surgery last week on his dislocated shoulder picked up against Tottenham.

Defender Daniel Agger is also still out with calf problems, and Jay Spearing’s ankle is still on the mend.

Aston Villa are in a worse position however, with midfielder Barry Brannan and Habib Beye both doubtful.

Also unavailable for the visiting team are Delph, Heskey, Petrov and Reo-Coker all because of knee issues, Sidwell (Achilles), Weimann (ankle) and Albrighton, who is currently suffering from appendicitis.

Ashley Young will be out serving his one-match ban after acquiring five bookings so far this season.

The match will be shown live on Sky Sports 1.