Liverpool 1-3 Aston Villa - Home Defeat Shocks Anfield Faithful

Liverpool fell to a shock home defeat at the hands of the youngest team fielded in the Premier League all season, as Aston Villa sealed a 1-3 win at Anfield. First half goals from Christian Benteke and Andy Weimann stunned the hosts, before the former added to his tally five minutes after the interval to put the points out of the grasp of Brendan Rodger's men. Steven Gerrard scored a header late on, but it proved only to be a consolation goal at best. Prior to proceedings, Rodgers claimed his side could finish second this season, a feat they have not achieved since the 2010/11 season. However, the landscape of the Premier League tonight will show his side are closer to the relegation zone than they are to the top two. Aston Villa fielded the youngest Premier League Team of the season with an average age of 23 years, and it was 22 year old Benteke who would put Liverpool to the sword. Unbeaten all month, Villa fancied their chances, and the forward struck a speculative drive from 22 yards out just before the half hour mark to beat Pepe Reina for his 4th of the season. Liverpool almost responded straight away, and Luis Suarez could only hit the side netting from the edge of the box after being forced wide by the Villa defence. Weimann then nearly doubled the visitors lead after some slack defending by Glen Johnson, who's poor back header provided the forward with an opportunity that he could only put onto the roof of Reina's goal. Weimann would not be denied though when, just before half time, he beautifully combined with Benteke, who's clever back heel found his teammate in acres of space inside the penalty area to shoot home from close range for 0-2 and put his side within touching distance of only their second away win since January. If the Anfield faithful expected a response from their side after the interval, they were to be disappointed as Liverpool put in an altogether flat and uninspired display, in spite of the half-time introductions of Joe Cole and Jonjo Shelvey. In fact, Cole allowed himself to be mugged of the ball by the lively Benteke who broke at the Liverpool goal, before weaving through the defence and dispatching his effort from inside the area for three goals without reply. With 40 minutes still on the clock, the tie was still alive and Daniel Agger, Cole, Shelvey and Luis Suarez all squandered chances, whilst Agger may even have earned his side a penalty when Clark tugged his shirt inside the area, though referee Swarbrick waived away appeals. Liverpool would grab a goal moments before full time, but by then it was too little too late. Glen Johnson sent a cross in from outside the area which took a glance off Steven Gerrards head, quite how much the midfielder knew about it remains uncertain. It didn't matter in the end though as Paul Lambert's youthful side inched away from the relegation zone, and left Brendan Rodgers contemplating if second place this term might just be beyond his sides abilities.