After slow starts to the previous few seasons, Liverpool have finally found the flying start they need in order to be able to begin a new season strongly. Liverpool have often found themselves struggling at away ties against mid-table teams, and find it difficult to break teams that go out and defend down. However, this season, Rafa's red army showed their intent to stage a strong title challenge, and eventually ran out of Villa Park 1-2 winners. Last season, the score might have 1-0 to Aston Villa, or a draw at best.
And on Saturday night, the new season got off to a start, with hopes and expectations high. Liverpool would not disappoint. Torres, making his debut, showed some promising moves as he played a part in the first goal, forcing Aston Villa goalkeeper Taylor into making a full-length dive in order to save his shot. Dirk Kuyt, the hardworking Dutch striker ran for the ball, which appeared to be going out. He managed to pull it back, and Martin Laursen was only able to volley the ball into his own net. Harsh for it to be an own goal, but Liverpool were still up by a goal.
In the second half, Liverpool created a few more chances, but Aston Villa were the one who scored. After Carragher had accidentally handled the ball in the Liverpool penalty box, Villa were awarded a penalty, which Gareth Barry converted coolly, making the score 1-1. Taylor made a few more good saves, including a point blank one from Gerrard as well as a save from Torres' shot, and it seemed Villa were going to snatch a point from this match, and Liverpool would begin the season without a win once more.
Gerrard disagreed, the Liverpool captain stepping up to take a free kick not too far out from the penalty box. He sent a curling shot into the top corner of the net, a marvelous free kick that beat Taylor, who was in excellent form that day. However, the free kick being awarded was questioned as well, as Petrov did not seem to have fouled Gerrard. Nevertheless, the score read 2-1 to Liverpool, and the Reds would begin their season with a win.
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