Kenny Dalglish notched his first managerial league victory at Villa Park with a 2-0 win over a depleted Aston Villa side.

Two first half goals from Craig Bellamy and Martin Skrtel wrapped up three points, leaving the Reds three points from 4th place Chelsea.

There were two changes to the side that ran out victors against QPR last week. Fresh off receiving November’s Young Player of the Month for the Npower Football League, Jonjo Shelvey was handed his first league start of the season, while Craig Bellamy also found himself in the line up.

With Agbonlahor suspended and Darren Bent suffering from an illness, Villa opted for Emile Heskey and Nathan Delfouneso to lead the line. A far cry of the talent the hosts are used to.

Despite that, Villa started the brighter of the two teams. Stiliyan Petrov tested Reina with a low free kick within the opening minute.

Liverpool responded through Stewart Downing, the winger skipped to the edge of the area and fired a low shot, forcing ‘keeper Brad Guzan to a save at his near post.

The former Villa wide-man received deafening boos from the home fans in the early stages but silenced them with his part in the opener for Liverpool. His corner was flicked on at the near post by Shelvey, falling to Suarez who again attempted a back heel only to be kept out by Guzan, but the rebound fell kindly to Craig Bellamy, making no mistake and poking home from 5 yards.

The travelling Kop greeted the goal with chants of “There’s only one Stewart Downing”. They soon had something else to cheer about when Martin Skrtel grabbed a second. The Slovakian glanced Bellamy’s fizzing cross from the front post past the helpless Guzan.

Liverpool were truly on top and had a real opportunity to run rampant on this dejected Aston Villa side.

However, Villa dug in and came close with long-range efforts from Delfounseo and N’Zogbia.

The pair then linked up on the left, Delfounseo released the over lapping N’Zogbia but the Frenchman’s drilled effort crashed into the side netting. A caution for the Liverpool defence from the former Wigan star.

But Liverpool continued to look the greater threat. On the counter Suarez slipped Shelvey through on goal but Guzan smartly kept out his shot.

The halftime whistle offered the hosts a momentary breather, but Liverpool were quick of the blocks in the second half to continue the barrage on the hosts.

The impressive Bellamy broke free on the left and crossed for Daniel Agger, but the Dane couldn’t direct his header on target.

Suarez was then released through on goal by the Welshman with Dunne in hot pursuit, the defender seemed to have won the battle, but the persistence of the Uruguayan dispossessed him and dummied Collins, but the No.7’s shot rocketed off the crossbar. A let off for the Villains.

The Reds continued to pester the defence, this time Glen Johnson let fly from 25 yards, however, ‘keeper Guzan was equal to the strike and finger tipped it away from goal.

Aston Villa replied through N’Zogbia, his tamed long-range effort was smothered by Reina. A virtual spectator for much of the game.

An audacious pass from Downing in his own half found Suarez in the opposite, the Uruguayan attempted a chip over Guzan, only for it to rebound back off the inside of the post. The 17th time this season the woodwork had kept out The Reds.

Liverpool were wondering how they hadn’t smashed the hosts for 5 or 6 goals. Their frustration further continued when Charlie Adam evaded two challenges to send himself through on goal, but his effort was superbly blocked by Collins. A square pass either side of him to Shelvey or Suarez seemed the better option.

Suarez then laid off Shelvey on the edge of the area, but he couldn’t direct his effort on target. A goal would’ve capped off an all round coming of age performance by the young midfielder.

Overall Kenny Dalglish would’ve been happy with his team’s performance. They once again dominated and created many chances, but were also solid in defence.

MOTM: Craig Bellamy. The Welshman once again displayed his quality on the pitch as he led the Liverpool attack, scoring, assisting and creating a handful of chances. The No.39 has been a revelation since his second coming to Anfield and will hope that he continues to cement himself as a first team starter.

Sikander Najib @AttackoftheKop