By Paul Brown

Villa suffered late, late heartbreak as Fernando Torres struck in injury time to condemn the claret and blue troops to a defeat they didn't deserve.

Martin O'Neill cut a disconsolate figure at full-time and no wonder as the Reds left Villa Park with the points - despite the home side enjoying the best chances.

Stewart Downing's brilliantly volleyed effort was kept out by Pepe Reina in the main effort of the first 45 minutes.

And the Liverpool goalkeeper had to be at his best after the break to keep out Gabby Agbonlahor's close-range drive with 20 minutes remaining. From the resulting corner, John Carew's flicked header shaved the post as Villa searched for a winner in a pulsating second half.

Five minutes later, the Holte End screamed penalty as Emilano Insua appeared to handball in the box - but referee Lee Probert waved play on.

With the game looking like it was heading for a draw with two minutes of stoppage time on the clock, the ball bounced kindly for Liverpool's star striker who made no mistake, expertly and calmly slotting past Brad Friedel.

It was rough on Villa, who played with creativity and confidence throughout the game.

The first half was a tight affair, with few chances for either side.

Richard Dunne's early headed effort at the back post was kept out by Reina while it was his opposite number Friedel who had to be in top form to tip over Steven Gerrard's 20-yard drive soon after.

Carew, lively up front, worked hard to close down Glen Johnson near the touchline on the half hour mark and earned a corner. From the resulting centre, the ball fell to Downing at the far post and he struck the ball sweetly - but straight at Reina, who managed to clear.

Liverpool felt they should have had a spot-kick themselves on 37 minutes as defensive ace Dunne challenged Dirk Kuyt in the box. The visitors' protests fell on deaf ears, however.

At the end of that first period, Carlos Cuellar almost caught Friedel short with a backward header but the experienced stopper was out quickly to boot clear with Torres bearing down on goal.

The beginning of the second half was a stop-start affair - mainly stop - as the Reds backroom staff took an age to get a replacement boot for Reina from the away changing room.

But once play resumed, it was Villa who put their best foot forward.

Dunne, immaculate once again at the back, broke up a Reds attack and produced a magnificent throughball which found speed demon Agbonlahor. The striker raced clear but his final shot was too close to the Spanish keeper who managed to parry.

The resulting corner was delicious and you could almost see the paint peel off the post as Big JC's header skimmed wide.

After the late penalty shout was turned down, it looked like being honours even before Torres slotted home to earn the points.