Liverpool saw their hopes of Champions League qualification dealt a blow on Saturday night as they were held to a 2-2 draw at home to Aston Villa in the Premier League.

Andreas Weimann and Christian Benteke put the visitors 2-0 ahead with 36 minutes played before Daniel Sturridge cut the deficit for the hosts on the stroke of half time.

The Reds then earned themselves a share of the spoils on 52 minutes thanks to Steven Gerrard's penalty following Brad Guzan's foul on Luis Suarez.

Here, Sports Mole takes a closer look at the action between the two teams at Anfield.

Match statistics

Liverpool
Shots: 14
On target: 6
Possession: 56%
Corners: 2
Fouls: 14

Aston Villa
Shots: 12
On target: 3
Possession: 44%
Corners: 3
Fouls: 18

Was the result fair?

Aston Villa may feel unlucky not to have come away from Anfield with the three points, but they came up against a Liverpool side that never gave up. In the end, a draw was probably the most reasonable outcome.

Liverpool's performance

The Merseysiders were very poor during the first half as they were overrun by an energetic Villa side. There was a lack of composure in midfield, while defensively they looked fragile. Meanwhile, Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge had little to do up front. They just about improved after the break, although they continued to struggle to find the kind of form that has dazzled fans this season. Ultimately, this was two points dropped, not one point gained. However, manager Brendan Rodgers may well be pleased with how his players came back from looking down and out.

Aston Villa's performance

Paul Lambert's side were superb during the opening 45 minutes thanks to a display that was full of enthusiasm and confidence. They carved up Liverpool dozens of times with the kind of incisive passing that has been lacking for them all too often this season. Villa would have expected a Liverpool fightback in the second half, but they did well to keep the hosts at bay for much of the time with some outstanding defensive performances. The only criticism would be that, with a bit more ruthlessness in front of goal, they could have come away with the three points instead of just one.

Sports Mole's man of the match

Christian Benteke: The Villa striker was big and strong throughout the match, giving the Liverpool defence lots of problems with his pace and movement. The Belgian's work-rate was admirable and he was rewarded with his side's second goal.

Biggest gaffe

Simon Mignolet had a nightmare for Villa's second goal when his flap from a cross allowed Christian Benteke to head into an empty net. The Belgian keeper will be keen to forget that one quickly.

Referee performance

Jon Moss was a bit too quick to brandish his cards during the majority of the game, but his inconsistent display will ultimately be judged on the awarding of Liverpool's penalty. The official believed that Luis Suarez was legitimately fouled by Brad Guzan, although replays showed that the striker took a tumble rather too easily.

What next?

Liverpool: The Reds continue their FA Cup campaign next Saturday when they entertain Bournemouth in the fourth round.

Aston Villa: The Villans are back in action on January 29 when West Bromwich Albion visit Villa Park in the Premier League.