Liverpool FC duo David Ngog and Ryan Babel show their scoring credentials

Babel Ngog Lucas 300THE night began with a tribute to one Frenchman and ended with fans talking about the efforts of another.David Ngog helped ensure there was no dream return for Gerard Houllier at Anfield on Monday with an accomplished performance.Fears that the absence of Fernando Torres, who was called away to attend the birth of his second child - a boy Leo, would leave Liverpool toothless up front were swiftly allayed.Ngog rose to the challenge alongside Ryan Babel to terrorise an overworked Villa backline. Having nodded home the opener, he then laid on the third for Maxi Rodriguez. His eight goal of the campaign took Ngog above skipper Steven Gerrard as the Reds top scorer this term.The 21-year-old, who cost just £1.5million from Paris St Germain in the summer of 2008, is finally emerging from Torres' shadow.'I hadn't scored for a while so I was happy to get one, but the most important thing was the team winning,' Ngog said.'The team did well. We played with confidence and we passed the ball really well. It was a good game for us.'When you score quickly, it is easier to play afterwards - that's what we did. I am happy for Ryan and I am also pleased to score a goal too.'It was a good counter-attack for Maxi's goal. I was pleased to be involved and pass him the ball and Maxi finished it well. I am really happy for him.'

Source: Liverpool_Echo