Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez was extremely disappointed after his team's 3-1 loss on home soil to Aston Villa.

The Reds were going for 32 matches unbeaten at Anfield but were unable to quell a rabid Villa outfit who were keen to put a bad start to their season behind them.

Benitez admits his side played well early but made too many errors and now need to improve rapidly to mount a title challenge.

"In the first 20 minutes we created plenty of chances and played well. Then we conceded the own goal and started to make more mistakes," he said.

"We have lost and we know we have to improve. I felt we had a chance when Fernando Torres scored, but the penalty finished it. It was a clear penalty.

"We now know that we have to go to Bolton on Saturday and win. Everything could change if we do that, our confidence will improve."

Benitez added: "We were not playing well, and we were up against a team who are excellent on the counter-attack.

"Their keeper (Brad Friedel ) made some great saves, but when that happens we just have to make more chances.

"This squad is virtually the same as last season, so I believe it is good enough to mount a title challenge. But we must do more, we must win at Bolton.

"We will have to sit down and analyse every player now, and make sure we do the right things in our next match. But our senior players must take more responsibility."