Downing won the 2010-11 Aston Villa Player of the Season Award. He was last seen in those parts scoring the winner against Liverpool in his last game as a Villa player, before making a £20 million ($31 million) switch in the summer. Supporters at Villa Park didn't think that qualified the England international for the kid-gloves treatment.
"Yea, it was obviously [a strange feeling], playing against your old teammates at your old ground," he said of the reception. "I took a bit of stick, but that's part and parcel of the game. There's only one way to keep them quiet and that's to get the result.
"I expected it [the boos] and it's a bit disappointing. I tried my best when I was here. But you move on in football. The main thing for me was to play my normal game and to get the result for the team, which we did."
Downing served the 11th minute corner kick that led to Liverpool's opener in Sunday's 2-0 win. His delivery was flicked towards the goal by Jonjo Shelvey. Luis Suarez tried to score with a back-heel, but Brad Guzan saved the shot. Craig Bellamy pounced on the rebound to put Liverpool ahead for good.
Traveling Reds fans broke into a chorus of "one Stewart Downing," in support of their tormented winger. Downing returned the favor by turning in a positive performance on the right side of the LFC attack. According to EPLIndex, he made 54 passes, 93 percent of them found their target. He also completed 18 of 20 passes in the final third.
Kenny Dalglish says the reception Villa fans gave Downing had little effect on someone with years of experience playing for club and country.
"Well, you must lead a sheltered life if you thought that was tough," he said after the game. "I think it is sad. You are better off giving support to your own players because it wasn't going to upset Stewart. He was excellent — so obviously it worked."
Downing didn't manage to score — or celebrate — at his old stadium. And he still has yet to register a goal or assist for Liverpool. But Sunday's game was another good performance for the player who's versatility allows Bellamy to start on the left. He remains a key part of Liverpool's quest for a top-four finish.
Review all the action from Sunday's game in our Liverpool Live Blog.
Photo via Flickr/dannymol
