Half-Time Report: Aston Villa leading at Anfield

Goals from Christian Benteke and Andreas Weimann have given Aston Villa the advantage at the break in their trip to Liverpool this afternoon.

The first chance of the match almost resulted in Aston Villa defender Eric Lichaj putting the ball into his own net with five minutes played. However, goalkeeper Brad Guzan got back to palm clear the mistake.

Once Villa settled into the encounter, they caused their hosts one or two problems.

© PA Photos

One of their best opportunities fell to Weimann, who found himself through on goal and unmarked. However, Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina came off his line to thwart the danger.

Reina was powerless to prevent Villa from taking the lead in the 29th minute though. Brett Holman played in Benteke, who sent an effort from long range beyond the reach of the Liverpool keeper. The Belgian's goal was Villa's fifth away from home this season.

Villa had a chance to double their advantage 10 minutes before the whistle, but Weimann lifted the ball over the bar after he had latched onto a weak back pass from Glen Johnson.

Despite that miss, the young Austrian did manage to get his name on the scoresheet five minutes before the whistle. Benteke turned provider by flicking the ball into his path and he guided the ball past Reina from eight yards out.