Villa regained the lead in the 56th minute, 20-year-old defender Gary Cahill grabbing his first goal in his third league appearance with a spectacular overhead kick.

David O'Leary's men had gone six games without a victory but Baros banished lingering relegation fears for 15th-placed Villa when he finished a neat move with a venomous right-foot shot with 12 minutes left.

After his goal at Blackburn secured Liverpool's sixth win in a row, Fowler said he had no idea whether manager Rafael Benitez would be offering him a new contract at the end of the season.

"I am as much in the dark as everyone else," said Fowler.

Benitez made it clear he had yet to make up his mind although he said his decision would be made easier if Fowler continued scoring goals.