CURTAINS; PREM: LIVERPOOL 1 ASTON VILLA 3: Davies adds to Kop woe as Rafa warns flops: FLOPS FACE RAFA RAGE.

Byline: ALAN NIXON

RAFA BENITEZ warned his Liverpool flops to improve in a hurry after Villa put their title bid in peril after just three games.

Last night's horror show brought a second defeat this season - as many as they lost in the league in the whole of the previous campaign.

The Anfield boss saw Lucas put through his own net for Villa's opener, Curtis Davies nod home for the visitors' second from a disputed corner and Ashley Young seal victory from the penalty spot following a rash challenge by Steven Gerrard.

Fernando Torres briefly gave Liverpool hope when he struck on 72 minutes.

Benitez (above) said: "The team has to improve, the experienced players have to take responsibility.

"The only way to change things is to win - and we have to focus on the next game.

"We took 86 points last season and it could be the same this time.

"We have to be more precise with our passing and take our chances.

"We had our chances in the first 20 minutes but did not take them, we made a mistake and conceded a goal and another in injury-time.

"There were too many mistakes at crucial moments. We were pushing for an equaliser when Torres scored but the penalty was a big difference - the penalty was clear."

Liverpool are already six points off the pace and there is no sign of cash to bolster the squad.

Martin O'Neill, whose Villa side had also made a sluggish start to the season, said: "I'm delighted with the performance."

CAPTION(S):

ACTION ASH Ashley Young prepares for a corner