An own goal by Lucas Leiva gave the Villans the lead in the 34th minute, and a Curtis Davies strike eleven minutes later embarrassed the hosts much further.

Fernando Torres revived the Reds by pulling one back 18 minutes from time, but three minutes later Steven Gerrard was adjudged to have felled Nigel Reo-Coker in the penalty area.

Ashley Young converted the spot kick to hand Liverpool a humiliating loss.

Rafael Benitez's side, who also lost 2-1 to Tottenham Hotspur in their Premiership opening game, are now 10th with three points. Villa lie 12th with as many points.