Liverpool player ratings vs Villa: Ox a shadow, Robbo was Sunday league

Liverpool returned to winning ways against Aston Villa.

But it certainly wasn’t plain sailing for the Reds as they won their 17th consecutive home game in the league this season. Liverpool needed to show as much resolve and rearguard action as they have all season to come away with three points – surprising against a relegation candidate.

It was a needed result after the 4-0 defeat to Manchester City though, with Sadio Mane notching his 16th league goal of the season, and Curtis Jones scoring his first Premier League goal.

Mane himself looked the leader of the pack, even when Liverpool’s tiresome first half performance wained on into the second period.

His former Salzburg teammate Naby Keita looked again impressive, albeit not quite at the level he produced against Everton. The entire team seemed to drop off in truth from that Palace game – however, the mark of champions is to win when you aren’t at your peak.

This blatantly was not peak Liverpool.

The sloppiness in possession was very uncharacteristic of the side we’ve seen this season – but lets not forget this is only the fourth game back from a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

It is still no excuse for a fundamental – but is explanatory when you consider the way Liverpool play.

However, one man really stood out and it was the man between the sticks who wins our man of the match.

Keeper

We can safely say if it wasn’t for the Brazilian stopper, Villa would have come away with at least a point at Anfield.

Crucial saves from Jack Grealish and Trezeguet at his near post really set the tone – and as always, he was pinpoint with distribution.

There is a strong case for Alisson being the best player since lockdown for Liverpool – he proves it time and time again with his ridiculous consistency and lack of errors.

Man of the Match.