Aston Villa 0 Liverpool 2: Job done and another clean sheet

Much maligned strikers Borini and Lambert came up trumps to give Liverpool yet another away win and keep the focus very much on track for a Champions League place.   Gerrard missed out through injury with Johnson and Flanagan still out and Sturridge recently returned from recuperation in America not yet up to speed.

Out the traps quickly with the returning Sterling back from his break in Jamaica, linked up with Borini before Hutton’s excellent interception stopped his run in on goal.

Borini spinning off defenders and his ability to press and run the channels gives his midfielders a target aim at.  Liverpool gained success by interspersing the normal quick flowing football with a few well placed longer balls over the top for the ever willing runner.

Incisive in the last third, Moreno surging on from the left before dispatching a shot in similar fashion to his goal at Spurs earlier in the season.  Unfortunately, for the young wing-back he had encroached into an offside position.

Liverpool didn’t have to wait long for a goal and when it came it was a beautifully crafted.  From a throw-in Markovic fed in a ball just outside the area to Henderson, the captain elect played in a deliciously curling cross for Borini to instinctively stab home.

Chances to close out the game came and went with Sterling and Coutinho the main culprits.  Sterling put through on goal decided to chip rather than deciding on precision chipping into the hands of Guzan and Coutinho stealing in to header straight in the arms of the goalkeeper and after being found by a pinpoint cross from the Markovic.

In a sign of things to come Sanchez long range shot deflected on route saw Mignolet change directions and save before scooping the ball up on the second attempt.

The second goal almost arrived early in the second-half from Skrtel’s powerful header which Guzan brilliantly push against the post.

Villa began to turn the screw and for the next twenty minutes pushed Liverpool into a rear-guard action with Simon Mignolet and Martin Skrtel defensive stalwarts.   Mignolet;s save from a Benteke pile-driver from close in was simply stunning and the Belgium international was up quickly to punch away Weimann’s return header under extreme pressure.

Finally breaking out, Lucas picked off Delph’s pass to shoot powerfully for the corner of the goal only to see Guzan gain thwart our attempts.

Lambert having come on to replace Borini, brilliantly cushioned ball fired into him, before delivering an unerring finish into the corner of the net. 

In essence, the difference between the sides had been two strikers, the least celebrated of Liverpool’s quartet.

Man of the Match:  Simon Mignolet – produced a strong performance, showing character and leadership claiming crosses under pressure.  He misjudged a cross coming into a melee where he had very little chance of getting the ball, but overall his performance was probably his most notable of the season.

Critical eye:  Martin Skrtel was excellent with strong tackles and good to see him refraining from wrestling with robust defending.  He was ably supported by Sakho’s meaty tackling and covering.  Emre Can’s class on the ball gives Liverpool a calm authority at the back.

Coutinho continues to impress creating and linking up with Sterling, Borini and Markovic and once again if he could add goals to his repertoire would be devastating.  Sterling looked sharp, specifically in the first-half, but his negligence when clean through on goal could’ve have been costly.

Borini deserved his goal, taking his chance well, peeling away from the defender before getting on the end of the cross in the fashion of a poacher.  In turn, Lambert’s goal was pure class, in the way he received the ball to the way he arrowed is shot in the far corner.  His celebration with the crowd was one sensed bourn of frustration, relief and his natural affinity with the club.

With the future in mind good to see Jordon Ibe get a few minutes after returning from his loan to Derby and Williams on the bench.  Also, Lallana returning to the squad is strong positive as we are embark on the home stretch.

Teams:

Aston Villa: 1, Guzan, 21 Huttoin, 5 Okore, 2 Baker, 23 Cissokho, 24 Sanchez, 15 Westwood (Gil de Pareja Vicent – 59 mins), 16 Delph, 8 Cleverley (Weimann – 59 mins), 20 Benteke, 11 Agbonlahor

Subs: 7 Bacuna, 10 Weimann, 18 Richardson, 25 Gil de Pareja Vicent, 28 N’Zogbia, 31 Given, 34 Lowton

Liverpool: 22 Mignolet, 23 Can, 37 Skrtel, 17 Sakho, 50 Markovic, 14 Henderson, 21 Lucas, 18 Moreno (Jose Enrique – 71 mins), 31 Sterling (Ibe – 85 mins), 29 Borini (Lambert – 71 mins), 10 Coutinho

Subs: 3 Jose Enrique, 9 Lambert, 19 Manquillo, 20 Lallana, 33 Ibe, 49 Williams, 52 Ward

Referee: Mark Clatterburg

Attendance: 39,758