Reds crash to last day defeat

Stewart Downing claimed the game's only goal on 33 minutes, finding the target with a powerful close-range volley after the Reds failed to deal with Marc Albrighton's deep cross to the back post.

The defeat, coupled with Tottenham Hotspurs' 2-1 win against Birmingham City, means Liverpool end the campaign in sixth position and will not be playing European football next season.

Kenny Dalglish's side went into the contest knowing their European aspirations hinged on results elsewhere - a Spurs victory over the Blues at White Hart Lane would seal fifth place in the Barclays Premier League.

However, if the Reds were able to better the outcome of Spurs' clash, it would be them enjoying continental football in 2011-12.

Liverpool made three changes from the team that was beaten by Harry Redknapp's men last time out, with Joe Cole joining fit-again duo Raul Meireles and Fabio Aurelio in the starting XI to replace Andy Carroll, Maxi Rodriguez and Glen Johnson.

There was a youthful look to the Reds' substitutes with four teenagers making up the seven, including Andre Wisdom on the bench for the first time in the Barclays Premier League.

In the pre-match build up, Dalglish had been eager to stress the importance of his players ensuring they focused only on the outcome of their final day clash with Villa, rather than concerning themselves with events in north London.

The game got underway with the travelling support chanting the names of the convalescing Villa boss Gerard Houllier and temporary gaffer Gary McAllister - both of whom were instrumental as manager and player in Liverpool's unforgettable treble-winning success of 2001.

In addition, the name of Steven Gerrard was heard booming out of the away section as the skipper joined Kopites in the visitors' section to watch the game.

Watch Kenny's post-match presser

However, the Reds' plans suffered an early setback when Jay Spearing was unable to continue following a reckless challenge by Nigel Reo-Coker. Jonjo Shelvey was the midfielder's replacement. 

Liverpool went close to taking the lead 15 minutes into the afternoon when Lucas Leiva saw a volleyed effort hooked off the line by Ashley Young after Meireles's corner had caused panic inside the box.

Moments later, the Brazilian's ball over the top almost sent Luis Suarez bounding down on goal but Brad Friedel was quick to shift from his line and avert the danger.

The Reds were temporarily reduced to 10 men on 22 minutes when Jamie Carragher was involved in an aerial collision while attempting to defend a corner that left him requiring stitches to a wound on his forehead.

However, Carragher was patched up and back on the field when Villa took the lead on 33 minutes.

Marc Albrighton's right-wing cross picked out Downing at the back post, who fired a well-struck volley beyond Pepe Reina from close range which found the net via the underside of the crossbar.

The goal visibly buoyed the hosts, although Martin Skrtel was millimetres away from turning Aurelio's free-kick over the line on the slide five minutes before half-time.

Dalglish will no doubt have been disappointed with his side's showing in the opening period - and moments into the second half, news filtered through of a Spurs goal against Birmingham, dealing a further blow to Liverpool's Europa League hopes.

Joe Cole was presented with a half chance to at least draw Liverpool level against Villa 10 minutes after the interval, but skied his volley on the turn after controlling Lucas's pass on his chest.

Then Meireles should have equalised on 62 minutes after a sublime feint and turn by Suarez inside the box left two Villa defenders grounded before he squared to carve open a gilt-edged chance for the unmarked Portugal midfielder, who saw his side foot repelled by a combination of Friedel and Dunne on the line.

Meireles was left frustrated by more desperate last-ditch defending soon after, this time seeing his attempted pass across the face of goal blocked by Reo-Coker's sliding challenge before Aurelio drilled a free-kick inches the wrong side of the upright.

At the other end, Darren Bent's turn and shot on the edge of the box was easy for Reina to gather as the game ticked towards its conclusion.

Back came Liverpool and after some excellent work by John Flanagan, Meireles pulled the ball back to Suarez inside the D, but the Uruguayan could only thump into the stand.

Villa took their turn to attack and Gabriel Agbonlahor was unable to reach Bent's cross inside the six-yard box after collecting Downing's clever reverse ball.

With 10 minutes left, news arrived of a Birmingham equaliser at White Hart Lane - but it proved too little, too late for Liverpool who will compete in the 2011-12 season without European football and their fate was sealed when Tottenham netted a late winner.