Steven Gerrard scored a deadball hat-trick as Liverpool stormed to within one point of leaders Manchester United at the head of the Barclays Premier League.
Aston Villa were swept aside, with Dirk Kuyt and Albert Riera getting the show on the road before Gerrard took over.
His first goal was a penalty after Riera had been felled in the box, and the second an edge of the area free-kick.
The third for Gerrard was another penalty, when Brad Friedel was sent-off for bringing down Fernando Torres as he raced onto a Xabi Alonso through-ball
Lucas replaced Alonso, Agger took over from Arbeloa and David Ngog came on for Gerrard in the final 20 minutes.
Villa sent on Craig Gardner for a limping Carew after 88 minutes.
He still had time to be booked for a foul on Agger in injury-time.
Reina's clean sheet means he has broken a Liverpool club record of reaching 100 shut-outs in the fewest games.
