The hosts took the lead in the first five minutes through Morientes and despite a Villa equaliser from Barry, Steven Gerrard scored a second half brace to condemn Villa to yet another defeat.

After only four minutes Villa got off to the worst possible start as Morientes turned Cahill before firing the ball past Sorensen to open the scoring.

Villa continued to look second-best throughout the half but just before the break, Gareth Barry wasted a great chance to get them on level terms as he headered over when totally unmarked.

David O'Leary replaced the ineffective Milan Baros with Juan Pablo Angel at the break and the Columbian made an immediate impact.

Angel called Reina into action twice in as many minutes before he played the ball through to Hughes whose cross was converted from close-range by Gareth Barry.

Minutes later, following a mistake from Hyypia, Gabriel Agbonlahor should have given the visitors the lead but he shot wide after a clear run on goal.

However, with an hour on the clock Steven Gerrard made Villa pay for their poor finishing. The England international got a deft flick to Alonso's corner to restore Liverpool's advantage.

Just five minutes later the same player put the result beyond any doubt. Following a pass from Fowler, Gerrard rifled a shot in from 30-yards which left Sorensen with no chance whatsoever.

Despite going two goals down, Villa refused to give up as they continued to trouble Reina but now, with only game left of the season and with just 39 points on the board, Villa are certain to record their worst ever Premiership points tally.

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Aston Villa Poll