Torres limps off as Liverpool held to stalemate by Villa

Fernando Torres limped off in the first half.

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Sunday, 31, Aug 2008 09:04

Liverpool's unconvincing start to the season continued after a 0-0 draw with Aston Villa at Villa Park.

Fernando Torres limped off in the first-half for the Reds while Robbie Keane remains without a goal since his arrival after another subdued display.

James Miler started on the bench and Gareth Barry started for Villa against the club that tried to sign him this summer, while the Reds were without the injured Steven Gerrard but welcomed back Javier Mascherano and Lucas from the Olympics.

The first-half was a cagey affair with neither side carving out many chances of note. Villa's best effort fell to John Carew on 36 minutes with the Norweigan's side-footed shot saved by Jose Reina.

Worryingly for the Reds, Torres limped off with a hamstring injury and was replaced by David Ngog.

Despite the loss of Torres, the visitors found some fluency in the closing stages of the half with Dirk Kuyt drilling a shot into the side-netting from a tight angle while Ngog rifled the ball over from the edge of the box.

The start of the second half was more entertaining with Kuyt failing to get his head onto the ball from three yards out while at the other end, Carew’s looping header went inches over.

Milner was brought on by Martin O’Neill on 64 minutes for his debut in place of Ashley Young.

The ex-Newcastle United midfielder came close to grabbing his first goal for the club with a first-time strike from the edge of the box that Reina saved.

Milner's appearance looked to have ignited the home side with Stiliyan Petrov lashing a volley wide while Martin Laursen’s header crept wide with Reina beaten.

But both sides were unable to grab late goal in a result which sees Rafael Benitez's side join leaders Chelsea on seven points while Villa climb to eighth spot.