DEAN Saunders returned with a nightmare show for the Kop, claiming the winner as Villa came from behind to emphasise their title credentials.

The Welshman, a former £2.9 million transfer record holder, was off-loaded by Liverpool for a knockdown £2.2m earlier this season and if he has a point to prove he did it in superb style.

Saunders cashed in after 65 minutes when Liverpool's Danish defender Torben Piechnik dithered before finally slipping and allowing Saunders to steal the ball from him and score comfortably from 15 yards.

There was no doubting Saunders jubilation and he said:

“It was something I hadn't even dared think about because I don't think I have ever been in a visiting team which has scored at Liverpool before never mind win "

Equally delighted was Villa boss Ron Atkinson whose team are only denied top spot in the title race because of goal difference.

He said: "I was delighted for Dean because he had a particularly good second-half and scoring the winner was a lovely moment for him.

"When we were 1-0 down at half-time I said that if we don't roll up our sleeves we will get well buried.

"All the players got stuck in and battled, and the turning point was Garry Parker's shot. It lifted us and stunned Liverpool."

Indeed it looked as if Liverpool would run out comfortable winners after they survived a couple of early scares to take the lead through stand-in skipper John Barnes, four minutes before the interval.

The England star did well to control a low cross from the right by Mike Marsh and turn to drive a low shot just inside a post.

In the early minutes of the game Villa striker Dalian Atkinson had threatened the Liverpool goal on a couple of occasions.

But Villa's plans were upset, and their hopes apparently diminished when he didn't reappear for the second-half because of a groin injury.

Villa, however, knuckled down to the task and got a surprise equaliser after 55 minutes.

An attempted clearance by Steve McManaman struck Kevin Richardson and rebounded invitingly for Parker to rush a 20-yard volley in off the underside of the bar.

It set the stage for Saunders’ magic moment, and even though Liverpool stormed forward in search of a point Villa clung on.

It has effectively killed off any remaining hopes Liverpool had of mounting a late title charge. However, they were always going to struggle.