Liverpool hands Houllier's Villa side a 3-0 defeat
Liverpool 3 Aston Villa
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Liverpool handed the returning Gerard Houllier a morale-sapping defeat tonight, beating Aston Villa 3-0 to move up to eighth in the Premier League.
David Ngog, Ryan Babel and Maxi Rodriguez scored to spoil Houllier's first competitive return to Liverpool since his six-year spell in charge of the club ended in 2004.
Liverpool rose four places to 22 points, ahead of West Bromwich Albion on goal difference and seven points behind the Champions League qualifying places.
Houllier's Villa side is just two points above the relegation zone in 16th place.
Liverpool created the platform with two goals in three first-half minutes at Anfield, with Ngog getting the first in the 14th. Martin Skrtel's header from a corner kick was heading just wide of goal, but Ngog dived to head it past goalkeeper Brad Friedel.
Villa hardly touched the ball before conceding the second goal. Lucas Leiva chipped a pass forward to Babel and the Netherlands forward smashed a shot across Friedel and into the net.
Babel came close to scoring again but Maxi got the third in the 55th, with a right-foot shot into the top corner from about 18 meters.
Liverpool's fifth straight home win leaves it 10 points behind leader Arsenal, which moved into top spot with a 2-1 win over Fulham on Saturday. The Gunners overtook Manchester United after its rival's game against Blackpool was postponed because of a frozen pitch.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments