Liverpool FC vs. Aston Villa Player Ratings: Reds Dominate in 2-0 Victory

Liverpool went to Villa Park and defeated Aston Villa to grab all three points. The victory allows Liverpool to move up to sixth place in the EPL table, overtaking Newcastle United. Kenny Dalglish handed the 19-year-old Jonjo Shelvey a start, replacing the impressive Maxi Rodgriguez. Dalglish also recalled Craig Bellamy into the starting lineup, replacing the energetic Dirk Kuyt. 

Liverpool started the match, bossing the midfield, with the majority of possession. Their hard work paid off with two goals off corners within the first 20 minutes. Craig Bellamy reacted quickly to net the first after Brad Guzan saved Luis Suarez's cheeky back heel attempt. Martin Skrtel doubled the lead soon after, with a superb header off a powerful Bellamy corner. 

The scoreline remained the same for the remaining 75 minutes, as chances were spurned by the Reds. The theme of the season seemed to be revisited as Suarez was once again unlucky, hitting the crossbar and post. 

Liverpool won the game quite easily, but how did all the players do? Read on to view my ratings for Liverpool's squad. 

Goalkeeper

Pepe Reina: 6.5

He collected a clean sheet, as he had little to do during the game. Villa recorded four shots on target, but none were really a threat to score. Reina did do well to stop a free kick from Petrov early in the match and to jump on a Heskey header. 

The Agger-Skrtel partnership did well to stop Villa from forming an attack of any substance, leaving Reina with a fairly quiet day. 

Defenders

Daniel Agger: 7.5

Agger had a very solid day at the back as he protected the back line along with Skrtel with ease. He also occasionally galloped to the final third, helping Liverpool attack Villa's back four. He had a decent chance as he found himself on the back of a Bellamy cross, but headed it wide. Solid performance. 

Martin Skrtel: 8.0

Skrtel showed why Carragher can't seem to get off the bench. He took his goal splendidly as he struck a powerful header from a Bellamy corner. He defended well alongside Agger, and allowed his goalkeeper to have a quiet day. He also did well to stop Heskey from dominating aerial battles.  

Glen Johnson: 7.0

Johnson had a couple of bolting runs into the Villa box which were reflective of Johnson's attacking prowess. He also had a powerful long-range shot denied by Guzan. He went a little quiet in the second half, but did well to contain Charles N'Zogbia. 

Jose Enrique: 6.5

It wasn't his best performance, but it wasn't bad either. He was iffy in defense at times against the energetic Marc Albrighton, who was allowed to put in some crosses during the match. 

Midfielders

Stewart Downing: 7.0

The return to Villa Park saw Downing playing on the right side of the pitch. He was booed by his former fans during the match, but did well to cause Stephen Warnock some problems. His corner in the 11th minute resulted in a Bellamy goal. He with some promising moves, but faded as the match went on. Although, he did place a brilliant 40-yard, inch-perfect ball for Suarez in the second half, which resulted in a drive hitting the woodwork.  

Jordan Henderson: 6.0

Henderson did not do well to assert himself in the game, and was uninspiring as he looked to pass the ball back too often. He lacked the confidence to try anything extraordinary.

Charlie Adam: 6.5

A few early fouls saw him booked early in the contest. He sat back uncharacteristically as Shelvey was the one given the freedom. Adam did well to keep possession in the center of the park, but spurned an excellent chance in the second half when he could've slipped Shelvey in. 

Jonjo Shelvey: 6.5  

Shelvey was given the freedom to roam, and did well to assert himself. He forced Guzan into a save, and missed the target with a tough half-volley. Also, he played a part in the first goal as he kept the Downing cross alive. He looked comfortable in the midfield and put in a promising display. 

Craig Bellamy: 8.5 (Player of the Match) 

The Welshman was reinstated in the starting lineup and impressed. Bellamy did well to react quickly after Suarez forced Guzan into a save from the Downing cross. He also got himself an assist as he whipped in a powerful corner that was met by a terrific Skrtel header. He continued to create chances in the second half—great performance. 

Forwards

Luis Suarez: 7.5

Suarez typically displayed moments of brilliance, but lacked the finishing at times. He showed his evasiveness as he dodged Dunne and Collins, but he drove his ball against the crossbar. Suarez was denied by the woodwork once again; he brilliantly put in a cheeky chip over Guzan, but the ball hit the post. He looked tired in the second half and was substituted for Andy Carroll.