Liverpool vs Aston Villa highlights: Watch all the highlights as Mohamed Salah's penalty gave the Reds a 1-0 win at Anfield.
It was a hard-fought victory for the Reds on Steven Gerrard's return to Merseyside as a resilient Aston Villa side defended well for large parts of the game to frustrate Jurgen Klopp's side.
Liverpool stepped it up in the second half as they attacked the Kop and the visitors were unable to cope with the pressure as defender Tyrone Mings brought Salah down inside the box as the Egyptian looked to burst past him.
Referee Stuart Attwell pointed to the penalty spot as Salah stepped up and dispatched a powerful strike in the bottom right corner, leaving Emi Martinez with no chance as he notched his 21st goal of the campaign.
The introduction of former Reds striker Danny Ings gave Villa an added impetus in attack as they put up a solid showing in the final ten minutes to set up a nervy ending for Liverpool, who continued to squander chances on the break.
But it ultimately finished 1-0 to the Reds, who remain second in the Premier League table following victories for fellow title rivals Manchester City and Chelsea.
MORE: Liverpool 1-0 Aston Villa - Full match report →