Liverpool 5 - 0 Aston Villa... the title race is back on

Premier League Result Liverpool 5 - 0 Aston Villa 22nd March 2009

We know its been a dreadful week for the champions. This is Liverpool's time now - you have got to be delighted for Rafa Benitez who has had his critics but has stuck to his strategy.

After beating Real Madrid and Manchester United in spectacular style, Fulham gave both Chelsea and Liverpool an opportunity to close in on the Red Devils. Chelsea choked at White Hart Lane with a Luka Modric goal separating the two London rivals, but today it was Liverpool's chance at home against Aston Villa.

In previous seasons, Liverpool may have felt the pressure and drawn. However this Liverpool side is strong with much more team contribution than alot of people give them credit for. Today Liverpool passed the ball smoothly and looked considerably sharper in midfield than the Villa. The home side opened the scoring early on, with Kuyt scoring in the 8th minute after an Alonso header hit the bar and the Dutch international followed up to take the early pressure off.

In the 33rd minute, Riera made it 2 with a quick throw out from 'keeper Pepe Reina going straight to the midfielder who fiercely struck the ball into the net with his cultured left boot.

Albert Riera was then tripped up in the box by Nigel Reo-Coker, giving Liverpool a penalty which captain Stephen Gerrard converted just before half time. Going in 3-0, Villa had been thoroughly bossed and it could have easily been more even after 45 minutes.

Gerrard then added a nice free kick to make it 4, then Torres was brought down by Brad Friedel who was sent off giving the captain a penalty to give Gerrard his first ever Premier League hat trick. His club form could possibly push him into the England team, Barclays man of the match today and he is constantly dominating midfield possession in the Prem.

This victory takes the 'pool within 1 point of Man Utd - yes, Man Utd will still be the favourites with a game in hand but you have to admire the Anfield spirit this season. You never know...