The match marked an emotional return for ex-Liverpool manager ‘Ged’ Gerard Houllier. Ged had hoped for a good reception from the Liverpool fans and truly well deserved with the ’Houllier song’ ringing around the Kop and a poignant banner ‘Gerard’s heartbeat’ in gratitude for his contribution to the club as a manager despite undergoing a life threatening heart surgery.

However, it was the Reds that dominated the game once the whistle was blown. Besides the short periods in the second half with the substitutions of Carew and Pires to salvage the game, the men from Birmingham were dominated by the industrious and effective Liverpool side. David Ngog opened the scoring with a well taken header resulting from a Raul Meireles corner. Ryan Babel, whom would have been on the bench if not for Torres’ urgent withdrawal from the squad due to Lola’s labour, took the long pass from Lucas nicely and dispatched a well taken shot into the bottom corner. A wonderful move started from Reina’s pinpoint distribution saw Maxi bringing the ball into the opponent’s half, passing the ball to Ngog on the left side, and finishing expertly into the top corner after receiving the ball back from Ngog just inside Villa’s penalty box. Probably well-timed after his criminal misses against Spurs last weekend.

The match highlighted the impeccable midfield pairing of Meireles and Lucas, who were both excellent in the game. Lucas for me is the MOTM, whose anticipation of the game, his movement off the ball and distribution were flawless. A much maligned player a couple of seasons ago, Lucas has proven that he only is he good enough for Liverpool, but he is a key player for the team. Hint to NESV; his contract will end in 2012, what should you do? On the other hand, Ryan Babel, another player criticised by most fans and pundits, put on a great performance playing as an out and out striker, tormenting the Villa defence with his pace and capped a good night for him with a goal. Of course, who can miss out Pepe Reina, who achieved his 100 clean sheet for Liverpool in 195 matches.

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