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BRENDAN RODGERS believes Liverpool’s season changed for the better after defeat to Aston Villa. And now the Reds boss wants his side to avenge that loss in order to kick-start a final flourish to the campaign.

Liverpool fell to a shock 3-1 reverse at Anfield in December to puncture a three game winning streak and put the brakes on growing optimism.

Rodgers’ men battered at the Villa defence for the first 20 minutes but were unable to find a way through.

And in a sucker punch, the visitors struck twice before half-time.

Christian Benteke was the tormentor-in-chief and struck his second goal just after break in front of a disbelieving home crowd.

Liverpool bagged a consolation through Steven Gerrard but it was the response which came in the weeks which followed that buoyed Rodgers.

The Reds won five of the next seven games before picking up creditable draws with Manchester City and Arsenal in a run which moved them back into European contention.

“It was probably the most disappointing game of the season up until that point because we were in good form going into the game,” said Rodgers.

“We’d started the game well and if we had got the early goal, the story could have been different.

“But in a way, it was a turning point for us because after that game, we had success, which shows me that the group are ready to respond.

“We analysed the game and we improved. From then on, our goals, our mentality improved significantly.”

Liverpool fell below those standards last time out against Southampton.

And if they are to make amends on Sunday afternoon then the Reds need to vastly improve on their lethargic showing at St Mary’s.

“They’re fighting for points and they come into the game on the back of two good results home and away,” Rodgers said.

“So we understand the difficulty that they will pose.”

But whilst Villa scrap for points to survive, Rodgers has reminded his squad that they need a win to keep alive hopes of qualifying for Europe.

“It’s very important that this season doesn’t peter out,” he added.

“It can’t do. Supporters are going to pay good money, home and away, to come and watch the football club.

“This is a club where there is institutional pride. Of course, we always want to be challenging for trophies but if that’s not the case, you need to represent the shirt and the city.

“Every game is vital. We’re playing for professional pride. We’re at a stage in the season where we don’t have a trophy to play for but we still have to fight.

“The players here never have a lazy day. I commented yesterday morning after training that a lot of them had flown around the world and yet the intensity and the training that they all put in was outstanding.

“This is a club where you never, ever have an easy game. And every time you play, you are representing great supporters. So for us there’s everything to play for. We’ll keep going right to the very end.”