It was a mad day at the office for Jurgen Klopp as his men left it pretty late to beat Aston Villa 1-2 as Liverpool came back from a goal down to beat the Villans.
This is their 3rd come back win in as many games in the week. The player’s sheer courage and a never say die attitude has been the driving force this season.
Villa started on the front foot and had their heads up early as Mahmoud Trezeguet scored off a routine free kick. The Reds pressed for an equaliser all through the game and finally got one in the form of LB Andy Robertson who headed in from close range after Sadio Mane provided a delightful cross for the Scot.
The Senegalese then went on the head home the winner 4 minutes deep into stoppage time from a corner supplied by Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Alisson – 6.5
Didn’t have much to do in the game apart from a couple of routine stops and the Trezeguet goal. Distribution decent and swooped to clear the ball in difficult situations.
Alexander-Arnold 7.5
The youngster marked his 100th appearance with a special assist to win it for the Reds. His cross field diagonals and long rang passes have been pin point these days. Villa attackers nullified his presence in the start but the RB emerged into the game and attacked quite well. Booked.
Van Dijk – 6.5
The Dutchman’s experience and calmness on the ball is second to none in the League. Managed to whack off attackers when it came down to physicality. Had several important interceptions.
Lovren – 7
A fairly improved game from the Croat. His headed clearances were all in the right place. Started on the back foot in the start but grew into the game. Was a bit slow footed at times.
Robertson – 7
Scored only his 3rd goal for the club but what a situation it was indeed. The Scot slid past El-Ghazi to hammer the ball from range. Defensively sound and did manage to link attack on the left.
Lallana – 6
Came in for Fabinho, who was rested because of an all important game against Manchester City next weekend. Had to do a lot of defensive work in the opening period. Squandered a big chance to equalise. Was subbed off eventually.
Henderson – 6.5
The midfielder had a difficult day managing the likes of McGinn, Luiz and Nakamba. Wasn’t decisive at times and couldn’t create much of an impact. Won the ball multiple times.
Wijnaldum – 6
Poor game for the Dutchman. Nowhere to be seen in the opening half. Lost possession a lot and couldn’t make his presence felt in midfield.
Sadio Mane – 8.5 MoTM
The Senegalese easily looked to be Liverpool’s biggest threat in attack. Was booked for a bad dive in the box. Crossed exceptionally for LB Robertson to head in. Was in the perfect place to head the winner. Growing into a really mature player now.
Firmino – 6
Couldn’t link up well enough with either of Salah or Mane. Liverpool’s game lacked rhythm. The Brazilian couldn’t reenact his routine gameplay because of a press imposed by Villa defenders.
Salah – 6
Below par game from the Egyptian. Couldn’t assert himself on the pitch. Had a couple of half chances but couldn’t the right winger couldn’t materialise any. Was subbed early.
Substitutes –
Naby Keita – N/A
Had no time to come and impose himself on the game.
Oxlade-Chamberlain – 6.5
Came on to add some positivity to attack and managed to do so. Had a duo of blocked attempts that triggered panic in the Villa defence.
Divick Origi – 6.5
Such a crucial player these days for the Reds. Added much needed venom to the attack.
