Aston Villa remain in the Premier League relegation zone following a 2-1 loss at home to Liverpool at Villa Park this afternoon.

The best chance of the opening exchanges was created by hosts Villa with 16 minutes played, but Gabriel Agbonlahor struck his effort from a Matthew Lowton cross straight at Pepe Reina in the Liverpool goal.

Agbonlahor went on to make up for that miss, though, on the half-hour mark. He cushioned the ball into the path of Christian Benteke on the edge of the area and the Belgian international fired in his 18th goal of the season.

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Liverpool's best chance to level up proceedings before the break fell to Suarez in the 41st minute, but his low shot from close range was diverted wide of the target by Brad Guzan.

However, just two minutes after the restart, the away side did manage to restore parity. January signing Philippe Coutinho played in fellow midfielder Jordan Henderson, who in turn beat Guzan from 12 yards out.

Coutinho then struck wide when well placed, while full-back Glen Johnson hit the post as Liverpool began to dominate the contest.

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They eventually made their pressure count with 60 minutes played when Nathan Baker tipped up Suarez inside the area. Captain Steven Gerrard stepped up to convert the resultant penalty, despite Guzan diving the correct way.

That prompted a positive reaction from the hosts, who almost drew level when Benteke headed goalwards in the 70th minute. His effort appeared to be heading for the net, but goalscorer Gerrard got back on the line to clear the danger.

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Suarez had an opportunity to seal the win in the closing stages, but having rounded Guzan, he lost his footing and eventually ended up chipping the ball into the hands of the American goalkeeper.

It wasn't a crucial miss, though, as the away side held out for all three points.