Liverpool

3.38

• 
  72

  4

  3.00

  José Reina Paez

  Probably the coldest man in the ground during the first half but pulled off a magnificent reaction save to deny Agbonlahor.

• 
  71

  2

  3.50

  Glen Johnson

  The England right-back is often criticised for his poor defending but dealt impeccably with the in-form Downing and his pace was an asset in defence and attack. Nearly scored after cracking run and shot.

• 
  72

  7

  3.50

  Sotirios Kyrgiakos

  Another solid display from the Greek, who showed good positional sense and forced Agbonlahor deep in search of the ball. Nearly scored but saw header cleared off the line. Replaced by Kelly seven minutes from time.

• 
  86

  9

  3.50

  Martin Skrtel

  Got tight to the Aston Villa forwards and prevented them from running into any space. Towering header to create the first goal.

• 
  41

  26

  3.00

  Paul Konchesky

  Tough start against the pace and trickery of Albrighton but stuck to his task and grew into the game.

• 
  52

  23

  3.50

  Dirk Kuyt

  A typically energetic performance from the Dutchman, who nearly broke the deadlock with a fierce early volley that went just wide. Linked up well when on the ball and worked tirelessly off it.

• 
  78

  6

  3.50

  Raúl Meireles

  Another assured performance as Liverpool dominated the midfield. Assured touch, clever passing and strong tackling helped Liverpool control the game.

• 
  99

  7

  3.50

  Lucas Leiva

  Played slightly deeper than Meireles but equally influential. Won tackles, hardly ever lost possession and kept the hosts ticking along to a comfortable win.

• 
  65

  8

  3.50

  Maxi Rodríguez

  Scored the third goal to clinch the win with an expertly timed run and lovely finish into the corner. Always a threat with his runs into the area and combined well with the strikers with neat touches. Replaced by Aurelio in the 76th minute.

• 
  89

  17

  3.50

  David Ngog Top of the Match

  Poacher's finish to open the scoring with a header inside the six-yard box and kept the Villa defenders occupied throughout the game as he sniffed another goal.

• 
  100

  4

  3.50

  Ryan Babel

  Probably his last chance to fight his way back into the reckoning at Anfield and might have saved his career with a beautifully taken goal on the volley and an impressive all-round performance. Added an assist with great run and cross to set up Maxi. Sometimes too weak when holding the ball up.

Substitutions

• 
  38

  3

  3.00

  Fabio Aurelio

  Looked eager to impress after replacing Maxi in the 76th minute.

• 
  30

  3

  0.00

  Martin Kelly

  Seven-minute run out as replacement for Kyrgiakos.

• 
  15

  17

  0.00

  Joe Cole

  Replaced Kuyt 10 minutes from time but had no time to dazzle.

Aston Villa

2.57

• 
  9

  6

  3.00

  Brad Friedel

  The American has been in shaky form recently but had no chance with any of Liverpool's three goals on a miserable night for his side.

• 
  0

  8

  2.50

  Luke Young

  Never got close enough to the strikers when they pulled wide and was punished as Babel ran past him to create Liverpool's third and final goal.

• 
  1

  7

  2.50

  James Collins

  Caught ball watching as he lost Ngog for the opener and seemed to struggle with the hosts' pace and vibrancy.

• 
  1

  8

  2.50

  Richard Dunne

  Outpaced by Babel for the second goal after a simple ball over the top. Won his fair share of headers but never looked comfortable.

• 
  1

  7

  3.00

  Stephen Warnock

  Villa's best defender on the night but it wasn't particularly hard. The England international enjoyed his battle with Kuyt but offered no attacking threat whatsoever.

• 
  0

  10

  2.50

  Stewart Downing

  Came into the game in great form but seemed frozen by the cold. Realised early on he couldn't beat Johnson for pace and didn't see enough of the ball to whip in any dangerous crosses. Moved out to the right towards the end but fared no better.

• 
  3

  7

  2.00

  Ciaran Clark Flop of the Match

  Sloppily gave the ball away in the build-up to Liverpool's second goal and looked out of position and out of his depth in central midfield. Hauled off at the break.

• 
  1

  2

  2.50

  Jonathan Hogg

  Showed a few glimpses of an eye for a pass but the youngster was completely overrun and couldn't cope with the hosts' passing and movement in midfield.

• 
  5

  4

  2.50

  Marc Albrighton

  Started well with a couple of sprightly dribbles but quickly faded as Liverpool took total command. Replaced by Pires midway through the second half.

• 
  4

  10

  2.50

  Stephen Ireland

  He just doesn't look like the same player who starred as an attacking midfielder at Manchester City. Did not put any pressure on Liverpool's two central midfielders and workrate was poor throughout.

• 
  4

  6

  2.50

  Gabriel Agbonlahor

  Hard to judge as he was given so little service. Forced deep in search of the ball in the first half as he was completely shackled. Had Villa's only chance of the game in the second half but was denied by Reina as he tried to slide home. Replaced by Carew.

Substitutions

• 
  3

  8

  3.00

  Robert Pires

  Replaced Albrighton in the 65th minute but by then Villa seemed to have already given up.

• 
  2

  7

  2.50

  Nathan Delfouneso

  Replaced Clark at half-time but hardly had a chance to use his pace as Villa toiled.

• 
  1

  7

  2.50

  John Alieu Carew

  Replaced Agbonlahor in the 66th minute. Offered a target but he wasn't hit.