Liverpool finally put to bed a four-game Premier League losing streak on Saturday evening, thanks to a 2-0 win over Aston Villa. Mohamed Salah put the hosts ahead moments before half-time, when Emiliano Martinez gave the ball away from what should have been a routine pass from his own area.
Ryan Gravenberch then doubled the Reds’ lead 10 minutes or so after the break, bursting through the centre of the pitch before unleashing from long range with his left. As a result of the win, Liverpool climbed to third in the league standings, seven points adrift of first-place Arsenal. However their victory wasn’t without its setbacks, with the Premier League champions looking incredibly shaky early on and conceding a number of chances which could have proved costly, should Villa have been able to convert them
Here, Express Sport breaks down how Slot’s players fared against Aston Villa on Saturday evening with a helping hand from our colleagues at the Liverpool Echo…
Giorgi Mamardashvili 7
Kept a clean sheet but wasn’t without his cagey moments – was forced into making saves from Matty Cash and Morgan Rogers. Had a more comfortable second-half.
Conor Bradley 7
Had a tough battle on his hands against John McGinn but the advantage of speed helped him away from some scrapes. Made an incredible recovery tackle on Evann Guessand in the second-half which stood out.
Virgil van Dijk 7
Denied Guessand with a good block, and helped Liverpool head higher up the pitch. Covered when needed as Villa looked to claw their way back into it.
Ibrahima Konate 6
A slow start to the game, and almost gifted Villa a chance with some lackadaisical defending in Liverpool’s box. Didn’t put a foot wrong in the second 45.
Andy Robertson 7
Dependable despite seeing his game-time limited this term. Tried to get upfield when possible, and helped with set-pieces. May have found favour under Slot once more with his showing.
Ryan Gravenberch 8
Energetic in the engine room, and covered a wealth of ground. Also helped plug the occasional gap. Scored the second goal of the game for Liverpool with an incredible effort.
Showed why he was missed when injured with an energetic performance, covering plenty of ground in midfield and plugging occasional gaps. Willingness to shoot resulted in deflected second.
Dominik Szoboszlai 9
Played as a 10, pressed very well and was integral in moving the ball forward. Had a free-kick saved but should have scored after robbing Pau Torres of the ball.
Alexis Mac Allister 7
Mobile and sharp on the ball. Also set up Gravenberch for Liverpool’s second goal.
Cody Gakpo 7
Overcame a tough start to prove problematic, especially when cutting inside. Kept possession as the game progressed.
Mohamed Salah 8
Dominated Lucas Digne in the first-half but was occasionally let down by a poor touch or a bad decision. Scored Liverpool’s opener and looked incredibly bright in the second period.
Hugo Ekitike 6
Flourised more in the second-half, but appeared to be off the pace of his team-mates for the opening 45. Nice touches, and had a goal ruled out for being offside. Subbed.
Subs –
Florian Wirtz 6
Played as a false nine for the last 15 minutes or so.