The hosts raced into a two-goal lead through David Ngog and Ryan Babel in the first 16 minutes before Maxi Rodriguez added the third 10 minutes after the interval.

Torres was given leave to be with his wife Olalla, who gave birth tonight to their second child, but the star striker was not missed.

"It was important to get a result on the back of last week's performance (a 2-1 defeat at Tottenham)," he said.

"It was slightly more satisfying that so many more players stepped up to the plate and took more responsibility in the absence of our three most recognised stars in Torres, Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher (the latter two being out injured).

"The most pleasing aspect was the team effort; the shape was good throughout and I think it was more a triumph of teamwork over individual brilliance."

Hodgson was also pleased with the performance of Babel, who was given a chance in his favoured striker's role and put in a good display.

"I have never written Ryan Babel off, his chances have been limited because we have Torres, Ngog and Gerrard so the competition is fierce," added the 63-year-old.

"I have also accepted his claim that he prefers playing centrally rather than being forced to play in wide positions.

"We've done a lot of work in training with him in those positions, he did well against Steaua Bucharest so when Fernando was unable to play I had no hesitation in putting him in the team."

Hodgson only found out he would be without the Spain international this afternoon and it was not the news he was hoping for.

"I certainly wasn't planning for it. I knew Fernando's wife was very close to giving birth and I hope everything has gone well," he said.

"I was hoping it wouldn't be today, I was hoping it would be yesterday or the day before or a couple of days after but this is what happens.

"It's called sod's Law that is happens on the very day you need him but luckily we've survived comfortably without him."

Villa boss Gerard Houllier admitted his side had a problem as soon as they went behind.

"The first goal affected our morale. We are not the most confident team at the moment and we are aware of that," said the former Reds manager.

"We are on the back of three defeats and so obviously the first goal looked as if it has done us.

"The second goal looked as if it was offside but it was a vital goal because it probably means the game is over.

"After that we took some time to get back into the game and start playing.

"We conceded a third goal on the break and that was it. We need to address a few problems in the team at the moment and one of those is the need to defend better."

On his return to Anfield, where his name was sung by the Kop, the Frenchman added: "The fans were good. I appreciated the fact that they chanted my name at the end. It shows they can remember.

"There was also a banner at the start of the game. I was not emotional but I was extremely touched by that."