Aston Villa manager Tim Sherwood has criticised his side after they were beaten 3-2 by Liverpool at Anfield this afternoon.

The Merseyside club led 2-0 through James Milner and Daniel Sturridge, before Rudy Gestede pegged one back, but despite a late strike from Gestede, Sherwood's side were sunk by Sturridge's second goal.

"We can't score two away from home and lose - it happened against Leicester as well. You score twice at Anfield and you expect to leave with something," Sherwood told BBC Sport.

"I've told the boys their goals were avoidable and we have to tighten up - Liverpool did not have to work too hard to get them, and we have to put that right.

"Our performances have merited better than one win in seven games but I said from the start it would be an uphill struggle. We need to stay in the division and, if we do, we will be stronger next year."

Aston Villa, who sit 18th in the Premier League after seven games, are next in action when they host Stoke City next Saturday.