Fernando Torres is forced to leave the field thirty minutes into the first half of Liverpool’s Premier League draw at Villa Park





Liverpool number ‘9’ Fernando Torres was substituted on the half hour mark of the Red’s scoreless draw at Villa Park. The Spaniard pulled-up after chasing a long ball deep in the Villa half. The point however moves the Reds joint top with Chelsea who drew 1-1 at home with Tottenham.

Javier Mascherano and Lucas Leiva returned to the starting line-up along with Andrea Dossena, who was in for Fabio Aurelio at the back of the Liverpool defence. Fernando started the Premier League clash at Villa Park alongside fellow striker Robbie Keane.

The Merseysiders acquitted themselves well from the kick-off, limiting hosts Aston Villa to shots from distance. Martin O’Neill’s team could not unlock a well organised Liverpool side as their own defence started to come under increasing pressure from the Anfield club.

Liverpool gradually upped the pace, but just when the Reds when starting to dominate affairs, Rafa Benitez was forced into a change as Fernando Torres limped off on the half hour mark. The Anfield striker appeared to pull-up when trying to chase down a long ball. The Liverpool boss brought on Ngog for the Spaniard.

A good combination between Xabi Alonso and Robie Keane freed Ngog, but the young French striker shot just over from the edge of Villa box. Almost immediately, Villa went close as John Carew’s shot from 10 yards was saved by Pepe Reina in the Liverpool goal.

Following the restart Aston Villa midfielder Stiliyan Petrov narrowly missed the target with a well-struck volley. The home side then had Reo-Coker to thank as the local player made a brilliant covering tackle after Keane was played in by Javier Mascherano.

With Villa looking the more likely to score, Rafa Benitez brought on Fabio Aurelio and Benayoun to strengthen Liverpool’s midfield. The Merseysiders withstood the Lions’ late onslaught to hold on for a point which moves the Anfield club joint top of the Premier League.


Match Stats: Aston Villa 0-0 Liverpool

Aston Villa: Friedel, Young, Laursen, Davies, Shorey (Gardner, 79), Reo-Coker, Petrov, Barry, Young (Milner, 64), Carew, Agbonlahor.

Liverpool: Reina, Arbeloa, Carragher, Skrtel, Dossena, Kuyt (Aurelio, 70), Alonso, Mascherano, Lucas Leiva, Keane (Benayoun, 79), Torres (Ngog, 30).

Booked: Skrtel, Dossena