Aston Villa produced a dogged performance to halt their recent slump and hit Liverpool's hopes of claiming third spot in the Barclays Premiership.

This game will not last long in the memory with neither goalkeeper hardly called into meaningful action until Villa goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen denied Reds' substitute Robbie Fowler in the 90th minute.

Villa will be the more satisfied with the outcome after winning only two of their previous 17 games - as a share of the spoils edges them nearer to safety.

The general impression was they were happy to settle for a point from the first whistle, with John Carew employed as the sole striker for lengthy periods.

Skipper Gareth Barry impressed in his first appearance since being axed by England and Carew demanded attention up front despite his lack of support.

Liverpool's performance was a million miles away from the euphoria which had greeted their two-legged triumph over Barcelona in the Champions League 11 days ago.

Daniel Agger was solid at the back for the visitors - but the normally inspirational Steven Gerrard failed to make an impression.

He also gave England coach Steve McClaren an injury scare in the first half when overstretching - but recovered sufficiently to play all but the final six minutes.

In a swirling wind, John Arne Riise had the first effort on goal, trying his luck from fully 40 yards, but his well-struck shot flew straight at Sorensen.

Riise then supplied a teasing cross from the left flank which was met by Dirk Kuyt - but the Dutch striker was unable to keep his header down and it flew over the bar.

The visitors did most of the early pressing and a long clearance by Agger almost caused a mix-up between Sorensen and Gary Cahill - but the Danish international just managed to get a touch away from Craig Bellamy.

Villa threatened for the first time when Barry was not too far off target with a volley from the left side of Jose Reina's box.

Javier Mascherano became the first player to be yellow carded after 20 minutes for a late challenge on Barry.

There was a rare moment of excitement when Ashley Young's crossfield ball gave Gabriel Agbonlahor the chance to attack the Liverpool box but his first shot was blocked by Riise and the follow-up attempt by Agger.

A left-wing cross from Young picked out Carew at the far post but Jamie Carragher got in an important touch at the expense of a corner.

Gerrard was moving gingerly for a spell after overstretching for the ball but it looked like he was able to run off any problem.

Stiliyan Petrov became the first Villa player to be yellow-carded for a challenge on Mohamed Sissoko.

Villa had appeals for a penalty rejected in first half injury-time when Petrov appeared to be kicked on the leg by Steve Finnan - but referee Lee Mason waved play on.

Gerrard was switched into a more central role at the start of the second period, with Kuyt moving out wide.

The Liverpool skipper found Bellamy in space on the right and ran forward to try and meet the return pass - but Cahill was able to intercept at the expense of a corner.

Barry was one of the few Villa players showing anything like his best form and he threaded one pass through to Carew - but Reina was quickly off his line to gather from the Norwegian.

Another pass from Barry presented Carew with another half-chance but the striker screwed his shot across the face of goal.

Olof Mellberg headed a Young free-kick straight at Reina - the first save the Spaniard had to make, and a straightforward one.

Gerrard was wide with a low 25-yard drive before Reds boss Rafael Benitez brought on Xabi Alonso for the ineffective Sissoko after 59 minutes.

Robbie Fowler replaced Gerrard with six minutes left and almost won the game for Liverpool when his header was turned around the post by Sorensen.

Teams

Aston Villa Sorensen, Bardsley, Mellberg, Cahill, Bouma,Petrov, McCann, Barry, Agbonlahor, Carew, Young (Berger 76).

Subs Not Used: Taylor, Angel, Hughes, Maloney.

Booked: Petrov, Carew.

Liverpool Reina, Finnan, Carragher, Agger, Aurelio,Gerrard (Fowler 83), Mascherano, Sissoko (Alonso 59), Riise,Bellamy (Pennant 72), Kuyt.

Subs Not Used: Dudek, Hyypia.

Booked: Mascherano, Bellamy, Pennant.

Att: 42,551

Ref: L Mason (Lancashire).