The Reds brushed Villa aside with a good hard working performance coupled with good finishing when needed.
Villa - led by former Reds manager Gerard Houllier had a good bit of possession on the night but simply never troubled us very much.
It took the Reds just twelve minutes to score the first. Raul Meireles floated over a corner to the back of the box where Skrtel headed goalwards and Ngog put the finish on it with a further header from four yards.
Just a couple of minutes later and Ryan Babel was put through by Lucas and after holding off Warnock hit a superb shot past Brad Friedel.
That's how it stayed until half time as the Reds looked more than comfortable passing the ball around - it wasn't vintage stuff but you can certainly see the players understanding the play far more.
Villa as you would expect came out fired up for the second half and took the game to the Reds which meant the next goal was crucial.
Despite Villa playing better the Reds scored the third ten minutes in to the half and it was a great counter attack. Reina cut out a cross and bowled it straight to Maxi in midfield. He turned, pushed the ball left for Ngog and raced to the area. David Ngog got to the area and found Maxi again who swept the ball past Friedel.
It was now easy street and although we continued to work hard 3-0 was what we settled for.
The Villa fans decided to have their own game and just pretended that Villa scored a number of goals which at least gave some entertainment for them.
As the game got towards the end the fans afforded Gerard Houllier his time on the night with chants for him and Gary Mac wasn't forgotten either.
One other stat from the game as well and a big shout to Pepe Reina who kept his 100th league clean sheet for the Reds in the match - quicker than any other Reds keeper.
MotM : David Ngog - worked really hard all night and led the line superbly.
