Liverpool striker Fernando Torres scored an injury-time winner as Villa’s miserable Christmas continued.

Martin O’Neill’s men looked on course for a deserved point as the game entered injury time, but Torres took full advantage of a mistake by former Reds defender Stephen Warnock to fire home.

It dealt another huge blow to Villa’s Champions League hopes following Sunday’s defeat to Arsenal, leaving them sixth behind Tottenham and Manchester City.

While Villa were improved from the Emirates Stadium and were worthy of a point, they never found top gear against a Reds side who rarely threatened over the 90 minutes.

Stewart Downing had the home side’s best chance of the first half arriving unmarked to meet James Milner’s corner, but the winger volleyed straight at goalkeeper Pepe Reina.

Liverpool did have a legitimate claim for a penalty on 37 minutes, when Dirk Kuyt tumbled inside the box under Richard Dunne’s challenge.

There were just as few clearcut chances in the second-half, but it was Villa had the best of them.

With 20 minutes to go Gabby Agbonlahor raced through from the left but his shot was saved by Reina and, from the resulting corner, John Carew headed inches wide.

It all looked set for a draw, but Torres was to have the final say with a cool finish into the left-hand corner.