Liverpool 1 Aston Villa 3

Villa came into this game on the back of a diabolical display against Wigan and a somewhat lacklustre match in Europe, so I wasn't expecting anything other than the customary defeat at Anfield. And after 5 minutes, that seemed to be the inevitable consequence of our trip to Liverpool. Because from the off, Liverpool were straight at us, getting the ball in and around the box and causing mayhem. But Friedel was in inspired form and we held out.

As the first half developed, so did our confidence and with Davies and Cuellar uncharacteristically outstanding in defence, helped by sterling performances from Beye at full back and a tireless Reo Coker in midfield. Suddenly, Liverpool looked to have run out of ideas, and despite dominating possession, rarely threatened. And then, against the run of play, we took the lead. Petrov was fouled about 25 yards from their goal. Young whipped in the free-kick into a dangerous area and the hapless Lucas headed into his own net. The wind had been knocked out of Liverpool's sails and we looked comfortable. As half time approached, a corner from the right exposed Liverpool's zonal marking system and Davies was able to head in from close range at the near post. 0-2 and the natives were not happy.

As expected, the second half continued in the vein of the first, with Liverpool dominating possession but failing to create chances against a solid Villa defence. The few chances that did come their way were from long distance or tight angles, making Friedel's numerous saves a lot easier to pull off.

When the Liverpool breakthrough did come, in the 71st minute, it was Torres who side footed into the roof of the net from 6 yards. Despite a petulant performance, he had looked the most likely person to break the Villa rearguard.

I feared a capitulation, but within a few minutes we were 1-3 up. Reo Coker broke through from midfield and missed a ball into the box by inches, then seconds later burst onto a through ball only to be taken down by Gerrard's sliding lunge. Penalty. Young stepped up and slotted it to Reina's left with admirable calm and ease.

Lacking any invention and clearly frustrated, the Liverpool players continued to dominate possession without looking threatening and, strangely for a Liverpool side, seemed resigned to the defeat long before the whistle for full time.

After recent games, this was an encouraging performance from Villa. It was Reo-Coker's best game for us in my opinion, and he certainly did enough to warrant his place in the starting eleven. Full of energy, running, and tackling, he was everything Petrov isn't. And alongside him, Sidwell worked hard, getting forward when possible. But the real Villa stars were the back four and Friedel, all of which were outstanding, particularly Cuellar and Davies in defence. Perhaps they are finally starting to gel and can form a convincing partnership afterall?

2nd leg against Rapid Vienna next, then Fulham.