Liverpool paid Aston Villa the ultimate in compliments on Saturday - they refused to let them play.

Not that the First Division title aspirants spoiled the game for it was a fascinating tussle right to its goalless conclusion. But after Villa had threatened to sabotage their championship challenge, Liverpool resorted to the methods at which they are masters, those of containment and frustration.

Nevertheless, Villa manager Ron Saunders could afford to wear a self-satisfied smile at the end. His side may have taken part in their third successive 0-0 home draw, but they showed a more purposeful and pronounced attitude which has been missing previously.

Much of it stemmed from the trio of team changes Saunders had made. Leighton Phillips added strength and composure to the defence and youngsters Bobby McDonald and Steve Hunt were willing and industrious until they tired.

Said Saunders: “We played very well in the first half and might have had a couple of goals, Liverpool showed great professionalism to come out and make it difficult for us to play. I can think of no other side who can change the whole pattern of a game like Liverpool can.”

In sharing the points Villa might have done the football world in general a favour if it prevents Liverpool from winning the title.

Despite the professional admiration of managers like Saunders. Liverpool are not an attractive advertisement for the game’s purer skills. They have none of the exuberant innocence of Manchester United who lost 3-0 at Ipswich, the style or panache of Derby who lost 4-3 at Manchester City, or the all-round potency of Queen’s Park Rangers, who, in beating Middlesbrough 4-2 moved a point clear at the top of the First Division.