Liverpool had a gritty encounter against Aston Villa as they edged out a 1-0 win lets have a look at the player ratings.
Jurgen Klopp had the majority of his main players available to start. It was important to start with the main team as a stiff competition was rightly expected from Aston Villa.
It was a great contest as both the sides pressed well trying to create as many chances. Former Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard was given a warm welcome as he stepped onto the pitch as Aston Villa’s manager.
Liverpool got the breakthrough in the 67th minute as Tyrone Mings got Mohamed Salah down inside the box. As usual, Mohamed Salah fired it into the net to give Liverpool crucial 3 points.
Liverpool v Aston Villa: Player ratings
Defenders
Alisson Becker (GK) – 6/10
Alisson was a little clumsy at times, stepping out of the box. One instance was where he tried clearing the ball which could have resulted in a goal. He did not do much but was good towards the end.
Trent Alexander-Arnold (RB) – 8/10
Trent gave some stunning crosses and made great runs. However, he had an unlucky shot that got deflected.
Joel Matip (CB) – 8/10
Joel Matip was spot on defending and handled the pressure with calmness. He made many counter-attacking runs as well.
Virgil Van Dijk (CB) – 8/10
Virgil got caught on early with a booking but was brilliant throughout the game. He had a lot of work to do and was the key in maintaining the clean sheet.
Andy Robertson (LB) – 7/10
Andy had a wonderful outing as he troubled Aston Villa a lot. He could have easily got a goal, an assist or even won a penalty.
Midfielders
Fabinho (DM) – 9/10 (Man of the match)
Fabinho was great on positioning and won many tackles. He was fabulous in the midfield battle.
Jordan Henderson (CM) – 8/10
Jordan made some wonderful runs and had a good linkup play. He kept Aston Villa under pressure making many interceptions.
Thiago (CM) – 7/10
Liverpool got another clean sheet with him. He was good in the first half as he kept the ball moving, giving excellent flow to the attack.
Forwards
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (ST) – 7/10
Oxlade-Chamberlain just got to be in the frontline. Although he did not get many chances to score but was useful in the charge.
Sadio Mane (LW) – 6/10
Mane was great in the first half. He was not able to find much space in the later stage of the game.
Mohamed Salah (RW) – 8/10
Salah was shaky during the first half. He shone brilliantly in the second half creating a lot of trouble for the visitors. He won the penalty and scored it to guide Liverpool home.
Substitutes
Diogo Jota (ST) – 5/10
Jota replaced Oxlade-Chamberlain. He did get some chances and was poor with the finishing.
James Miner (CM) – 7/10
James Milner came on for Thiago and did some good clearances.
Takumi Minamino (LW) – N/A
Minamino came on for Mane to spend few minutes on the field. There is nothing much to say about him.
The Reds sits 2nd in the Premier League table. Liverpool host Newcastle United next and will look to grab another 3 points again.
