Liverpool welcomed Aston Villa on matchday 16 at Anfield. But the occasion was more about legend & former Reds Captain Steven Gerrard’s Anfield return.
While Steven Gerrard not singing ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ at Anfield and sitting at the opposition dugout was an unusual sighting for Liverpool fans.
But Nevertheless, The Anfield crowd wouldn’t allow their club legend to stand in the way of Liverpool’s title aspiration. The stomping Anfield was sounding like Anfield right from the first minute.
Liverpool boss made one surprising change to the side with Jota sitting on the bench and midfielder Oxlade Chamberlain starting as team’s number 9.
The Reds started off pretty good and played with energy but the only thing that lacked was goals. Meanwhile, Villa looked like a side that knew what they need to do. The plan worked for Steven Gerrard as they were able to frustrate their opposition and the home crowd.
In the first half, it was seen most of the attacks for Liverpool came through the wide areas which were exactly what Gerrard’s Villa wanted. And Villa’s defensive duo of Mings and Konsa were confident to deal with whatever came into the middle of the box.
The second half started in a similar fashion with Villains showing defensive resilience. While Liverpool team now facing the classic Kop end.
And there came the moment when Villa made a mistake as Tyrone Mings brought down Salah in the penalty box and the referee awarded the penalty. The Egyptian stand tall against Villa goalie Martinez to score his 21st goal with just half of the season played.
Liverpool lead 1-0 and could have scored a few more but throughout the game, The Reds lacked the clinical edge.
At the death, Gerrard’s side did have a few good moments but was dealt with maturity. But Gerrard Leaves Anfield with nothing except for respect and gratitude.
Overall, Liverpool really dominated the game and everyone played their part. The Reds just had enough to edge out Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard and his Villa team.
Key numbers from the game
For the first time since December 2015, Liverpool have registered consecutive 1-0 victories in Premier League.
Meanwhile, the win over Villa marked the club’s 100th 1-0 victory in the competition overall.
Liverpool have now also matched their previous longest run of wins against Villa at home. Between January 2004 and October 2006, The Reds registered four Premier League wins.
The Reds have registered another feat where they have scored in the last 26 English Top Flight games.
Liverpool vs Aston Villa: Post match reactions
Klopp speaks on Villa’s performance
So, what can I say? I think we were the better team; for 75 minutes, for sure, and opened up the game in the last 15 minutes because we lost rhythm a little bit, we changed offensively and all of a sudden there were some situations, half-chances, situations that were a little bit tricky. But for 75 minutes we were the clear better side.
When asked About the words he and Gerrard exchanged at full-time
He said congratulations and I said thank you. We won the game, it’s now not about that we really have to talk a lot. Nothing will come between him and me. But around the games we are both pretty focused.
When asked about his discussions with the fourth official during the game
Not ‘discussions’. ‘Talks’. I have to say, it was an incredible performance of the fourth official. I felt really well.
He helps the ref from time to time, of course, when it’s directly in front of him. He was good in that as well. But we had conversations, no arguments.
Klopp talks About Jordan Henderson’s input to attacks on the right
Yes, we worked on it. Not only on the right side, we have similar things on the left side and I thought there were plenty of top situations [there]. It’s just the formation is slightly different on the left side, Thiago is not as high in the formation so it’s more Sadio and Robbo. Yes, Jordan’s position on that side is pretty flexible, we just have to make sure that one of the three thinks about protecting as well, but as long as we keep the ball it’s all fine. Yes, his role changed slightly, that’s true.
What’s next for Liverpool?
Liverpool will face Eddie Howe’s Newcastle on 16th December. It will be a Cold and breezy December’s 8 pm (GMT) Premier League game.
The Magpies are currently struggling with form and battling for survival with just 10 points from 15 games.
A win against Eddie Howe’s side will put up a strong statement and pressure on Leaders Man City and third-placed Chelsea to win their respective games.
