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Aston Villa produced an outstanding defensive display to secure their first win against Liverpool in eight years as Rafael Benitez’s side continued their stuttering start to the new Premier League campaign.
Villa had been heavily criticised after losing their opening home game to Wigan Athletic and slumping to defeat in the Europa League against Rapid Vienna – but they answered all the questions in emphatic fashion at Anfield.
Liverpool faded after a bright start, and have now lost as many league games as they did last season following losses against Spurs and now Villa.
Anfield was left frustrated as Liverpool wasted the opportunities that came their way, but ultimately they were reduced to running up blind alleys, and out of ideas, in the face of Villa’s resilience.
Villa were set on their way after 34 minutes when Lucas deflected Ashley Young’s free-kick into his own net, and they grabbed a second on the stroke of half-time when Curtis Davies headed in Nicky Shorey’s corner at the near post.
Liverpool surged forward after the break, but met a white wall of resistance as Villa defended their precious lead, with Carlos Cuellar outstanding and goalkeeper Brad Friedel a commanding presence.
Fernando Torres gave Liverpool hope with a close-range strike after 72 minutes, but any hopes of a dramatic revival ended three minutes later when Steven Gerrard brought down Nigel Reo-Coker and Young scored from the spot.
Villa boss Martin O’Neill was elated – and rightly so as his side got their season up and running with a landmark victory.
For Liverpool, they will now simply have to produce better – and more creative – performances as they chase their first title in 20 years.
One just wonders what will happen to the much touted acclaim by a lot of people that Liverpool’s wait for the premier league title could be over this season.
Quite frankly, i don’t see the Reds picking it this season with such displays, and with the other big boys and Manchester City started so well already.
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