Shellshocked Reds fell straight into the record books

Liverpool were beaten 7-2 by Aston Villa.

Wow! That was an eye-opener and no mistake! Liverpool fell behind early when a poorly played pass across the box from Adrian drifted wide of Joe Gomez and was collected by the Villa captain Jack Grealish, who passed into the box to a waiting Ollie Watkins to slot home in the fourth minute.

It was a downhill affair for the most part, after that; a sloppy defensive ride into the record book for the shellshocked Reds.

This is one that the gaffer surely, and the players, will want to soon forget. This is the type of game played by the reigning champions that Jurgen Klopp will want them to remember for as long as they wear a Reds jersey.

He should remind them of it every time they second guess an opponent and their strength.

Aston Villa were in a relegation fight until the final matchday in July. They would finish north of 50 points behind these Reds. Just take a moment to process that.

Dean Smith should be given full credit and so should his squad, who played a game of poise, control, patience and tenacious finishing against the lackluster, slow, and at times defensively horrendous Liverpool side.

Joe Gomez, Virgil Van Dijk, and Adrian had a terrible day. Their passing was questionable. They gave up possession in dangerous areas, which left them spread out on defense and out of shape on every goal scored by the Lions of Villa. Seven of them.

Mo Salah and Diogo Jota were the best players for the Reds starters today while James Milner and Takimu Minamino had good minutes as subs in the second half; but by then that ship had sailed, the tie was convincingly done and dusted.

There was very little here to be positive about, past the brace by Mo Salah – who inched closer to the century mark for goals scored for the Reds. His play was the one shining bright spot in that first frame; along with Jota who got his baptism by fire in his first league start in his Reds career.

He played well in his role, taking over for Sadio Mane, who was pulled this week for a positive COVID test.

Adrian was pressed into service late this week when Allison came up injured in training on Thursday or Friday at Melwood.

To be fair, it was apparent that Liverpool felt the lack of these normal starters. The continued absence of Jordan Henderson, returning from a knee injury in July; as well as Thiago Alcantara – who was also missing through COVID.

In the final analysis, this team even with cobbled together replacements at key positions should not be shipping seven goals; ever. But it happens, did indeed happen; this is football as Jurgen has often said.