Liverpool secured a much needed 2-0 victory over Aston Villa

Arne Slot will be happy with the result against the Villans as Liverpool rediscovered their winning form in league action with a solid outing.
Liverpool v Aston Villa - Premier League
Liverpool v Aston Villa - Premier League | Carl Recine/GettyImages

Liverpool picked up a hugely important three points in a much improved performance at Anfield. Goals from Mo Salah and Ryan Gravenberch were backed up by a very welcome clean sheet.

Mo Salah returned to form in style with an excellent performance. The Egyptian has come under criticism in recent weeks but was back to something near his best tonight.

The forward may have been gifted the chance for his opener but tucked it away with immense confidence. He also had a plethora of vintage moments including his famous flicks and tricks and teasing back-post crosses.

Mohamed Salah, Lucas Digne
Liverpool v Aston Villa - Premier League | Jan Kruger/GettyImages

Defensive Improvement

Liverpool and certainly deputy keeper Mamardashvili have been desperate for a clean sheet in recent months.

The Georgian hadn't had one since he replaced the injured Alisson Becker and played his part along with the defence.

The big shot stopper didn't have too many saves to make and was helped by his post in the first half, but he did make a wonderful save once Matty Cash's deflected effort flew towards the top corner.

Virgil van Dijk was at his immense best once again, with vital blocks and headers all evening. Centre-back partner Konate was also much improved from last week at Brentford, with his some big defensive moments.

Liverpool have had plenty of problems in the full-back area this season and reverted back to stolewart Andy Robertson and youngster Conor Bradley.

Both were noticeably advanced in possession, with the pair of them making plenty of inside runs, often being further forward than their own front three.

Robertson was perhaps unlucky to not feature against Brentford and he once again proved his worth here. The Scot defended well and got into very good positions.

Bradley was arguably the pick of the pair however with an extremely energetic performance. The full back linked really well with Salah and was excellent defensively, patricularly chasing backwards in transistion.

Jadon Sancho, Conor Bradley
Liverpool v Aston Villa - Premier League | Jan Kruger/GettyImages

Midfield masterclass

It was also a great night for the midfield in Red, including a return to form for Alexis Mac Allister.

The Argentine looked much improved on the ball and was impressive with his dirty work, including winning vital free-kicks when his side was under pressure.

Ryan Gravenberch had been a real miss in the last few weeks and had an excellent return under the Anfield lights. The Dutchman remained his un-pressable best and marked his return with the crucial second goal.

Szoboszlai has rarely been anything but outstanding this season, even in this difficult run.

He may have made a few wrong decisions in the final third but his all action performance was superb and earned him man of the match from the TNT Sport commentary team.

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