Liverpool fans give legend Steven Gerrard a standing ovation on his first return to Anfield after SIX years away... but the new Aston Villa boss is unable to upset his former club in narrow Premier League defeat Steven Gerrard made his first return to Liverpool since leaving the club The former Reds captain was making his return as Aston Villa manager Liverpool fans gave Gerrard a standing ovation as emerged before the game Gerrard warmly applauded in return but kept professional demeanour Steven Gerrard was given a hero's welcome after making his return to Liverpool as Aston Villa manager. The former Reds captain was back at Anfield for the first time since leaving in 2015 following 17 years as a senior player having come through the club's youth system and appearing over 700 times for the Reds. Gerrard was an inspirational figure for Reds fans having helped the club win the Champions League in 2005 and as he made his way onto the pitch he was greeted with huge applause from all corners of the stadium. Steven Gerrard applauds the Liverpool fans after stepping out of the Anfield tunnel Gerrard shook hands with his former boss Jurgen Klopp (right) before the encounter Supporters applauded Gerrard out of the tunnel on his return as Aston Villa manager Banners were also held in tribute, with one reading 'Red for Life.' The Villa boss opted to remain as professional as possible in his new role as Villa boss, responding with a deadpan fans and polite applause back to the fans from the touchline before taking his place in the Villa dugout. A second half Mohamed Salah penalty denied the Reds icon of leaving Merseyside with anything, in the Englishman's second defeat since taking the job at Villa Park. Before the game, Gerrard's former boss and current Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp admitted that all the adulation for the former midfielder would be fully deserved as he prepared to lock horns with the 41-year-old on the touchline. Gerrard looks on from the touchline as the home fans sing 'You'll Never Walk Alone' Remaining with a deadpan expression, Gerrard greeted supporters with applause and a wave The Villa boss was soon barking out instructions to his side at Anfield as he chased a win Following a solid defensive start in the first half, Gerrard shares a discussion with his assistants Mohamed Salah scored the only goal as Liverpool defeated Aston Villa 1-0 at Anfield 'We have a football game here,' Klopp told Sky Sports. 'When Stevie steps out everything he will get will be deserved. I'm fine with that. 'But the team wont think about it. He's one of the best ever but we face him as a manager. Thank god he is not playing - that is the best news!' However Gerrard was unable to influence his new club to a shock victory against the Premier League title contenders despite an impressive performance. Villa put in a solid defensive display before Mohamed Salah eventually broke the deadlock from the penalty spot in the 67th minute to secure a 1-0 win for Liverpool. Gerrard follows Aston Villa's Ashley Young into the away changing room before the clash The former Reds captain looks on from in front of a media briefing board before the game Gerrard returned to the Premier League back in November after resigning from his position as Rangers manager to take over at Villa Park. The former England international had impressed in Scotland after helping the Ibrox side win their first Premiership title for a decade before replacing the sacked Dean Smith in the West Midlands. Gerrard's arrival had sparked a revival in form at Villa, halting a five match losing run by winning three of his first four games and only narrowly losing at home to Premier League leaders Manchester City. Gerrard was idolised by Liverpool fans in his 17 years at Anfield where he played 710 times The midfielder was inspirational in the club's stunning run to win the 2005 Champions League Murals have gone up through the city of Liverpool who is a legendary figure at Anfield
