After a run of six defeats in their last seven games, Liverpool are finally back to winning ways with a 2-0 win over Aston Villa.
Arne Slot’s side managed to put in their best performance in some time to earn all three points at Anfield ahead of a big week.
Unai Emery’s men had their fair share of chances in the first half. Morgan Rogers came closest, rattling the woodwork. The Reds survived that scare and were pushing for a lead. Hugo Ekitike thought he had put them in front, but his header was ruled out for a clear offside.
It was Mohamed Salah who opened the scoring, bagging his 250th goal in that famous Red shirt. It was surely one of the easiest, too, with Emiliano Martinez gifting him the ball, trying to play out from the back. Salah simply fired into the empty Villa net.
The Reds doubled their lead 13 minutes into the second half. Ryan Gravenberch was able to receive the ball in space, with the Dutchman unleashing an effort from range. Two wicked deflections took it past Martinez and put Liverpool 2-0 up.
There were some standout performers, with Salah and Gravenberch looking at their very best.
How Salah and Gravenberch downed Aston Villa
It must be a relief for Liverpool fans to see Salah put in a performance like he did against the Villans on Saturday night. His 250th goal was a huge milestone, and it capped off his best showing in some time.
Salah was at his very best with the ball at his feet against Emery’s men. He gave Lucas Digne, the Villa left-back, a tough day. Liverpool’s number 11 completed four of his seven dribbles and created one chance, to go with his goal.
As for Gravenberch, he continued to show the excellent form he has been in under fellow Dutchman Slot. The Ajax academy star got on the score sheet with his deflected long-range effort, but also controlled the game at the base of the midfield.
His performance certainly seemed to stand out to Will Rooney, journalist for Liverpool World. He gave Gravenberch a post-match rating of 8/10 and praised him for how well he “displayed composure” in the middle of the park for the Reds.
As well as both Salah and Gravenberch played against Villa, there was another Liverpool player who stood out above the rest.
Liverpool's standout player versus Aston Villa
A performance like that in the Premier League has been a long time coming for Slot and his Liverpool side. Salah’s dominant effort will be pleasing, given how underwhelming he has been of late.
Well, the Egyptian star is not the only player who fits that mould. It was refreshing for Liverpool to have Alexis Mac Allister back to his best in the middle of the park. The 2022 World Cup winner teed up Gravenberch for his goal and showed class on the ball, and worked hard without it.
His numbers from the game show how well he played. Mac Allister was excellent in possession, having 64 touches and completing 48 out of 51 passes, creating three chances. Off the ball, the former Brighton star won five out of eight ground duels.
Touches
64
Passes completed
48/51
Opposition half passes completed
30/33
Ground duels won
5/8
Chances created
3
Fouls won
3
Assists
1
Well, it is fair to say that the Reds’ number 10 left a good impression on Rooney. He gave Mac Allister a 9/10 for his performance. After a tough start to the season, he said the midfielder “looked much more like his usual self” and “kept on showing his class” throughout.
It is certainly not outlandish to say Mac Allister was better than both Salah and Gravenberch against the Villans. Rooney was certainly of that opinion, given the fact that he gave the Argentine a higher rating than the pair of 8/10s he gave to the other two players.
Mac Allister’s contribution in the middle of the park was vital. He progressed the ball well and worked hard out of possession to help guide Liverpool over the line. There is a strong case to be made that he was the Reds’ standout player in a huge win to get them back on track.