Brendan Rodgers slams Reds' defending

Rodgers' side had won their last three matches in all competitions, but Liverpool had only themselves to blame as Villa romped to a convincing victory thanks to Christian Benteke's double either side of an Andreas Weimann goal.

Although Steven Gerrard got one back for the hosts in the closing stages, the damage had already been done and Rodgers was fuming at the careless manner of Liverpool's defending.

"We are very disappointed and to be honest I didn't see that coming as our momentum and confidence coming into the game was probably as high as it's been," Rodgers said.