Liverpool traveled to the Midlands on Monday to take on fourth-placed Aston Villa. It was a back-and-forth affair that saw both sides have multiple clear cut chances.
The Reds started brightly as their first move of the game resulted in a Harvey Elliott cross that was bundled into the goal by Emiliano Martinez. Aston Villa would equalize through Youri Tielemans before Joe Gomez set up Cody Gakpo for a tap-in finish.
A superb goal from Jarrell Quansah was the perfect star to the second half. However, as has become far too regular, the Reds could not hold their lead.
Let's see how the Liverpool players rated in this one.
Alisson Becker - 6.5/10 - Did not have a lot to do and could not be faulted much for the Villa opener. A few loose moments but overall steady as usual. Well beaten for their second goal.
Trent Alexander-Arnold - 6.5/10 - Spent a lot of his time in the heart of the midfield as he continues growing into his hybrid role. Flashed a shot high and wide late in the first half. but largely quiet.
Jarrell Quansah - 7/10 - Always aware of where he needed to be as he broke up several Villa chacnes throughout. Strong in the air and so composed. Picked out a few great passes as well. A great young talent who scored a brilliant goal as well.
Virgil van Dijk - 6.5/10 - Was forced into action wider than usual as Aston Villa was a constant danger down the wings on counters. Stepped in when it was needed and performed steadily from the back. The defense lost its stability late on once again as chaos reigned at the back.
Joe Gomez - 6.5/10 - Played well getting forward and back in the place of Robbo. Got the assist for Liverpool's second. Was often out of position as Villa attacked down his side often throughout wreaking havoc.
Alexis Mac Allister - 5/10 - Not a good day for Macca who started well but faded as things went on. Gave the ball away while up 3-1 which led directly to Villa getting back in the game. Summer cannot come fast enough for his weary legs.
Wataru Endo - 6.5/10 - He was asked to do a lot of work in the first half particularly, which he did well enough but he does not have the pace and power to do it for sustained periods. Looked slow before he was subbed.
Harvey Elliott - 7/10 - It was another fine performance from Elliott as his engine never stops and he was a willing runner all day long. Created the own goal and got the assist for Quansah.
Mohamed Salah - 6/10 - Started off so lively and was involved in a lot of dangerous moves and created several half chances. His impact dwindled as the game progressed. Could not save things in the 2nd.
Cody Gakpo - 7.5/10 - The best performer on the day as he dropped deep and moved all around the front line. Got another goal and continues to finish this season as strong as he could have hoped.
Luis Diaz - 6/10 - Was a constant danger down the left side and was heavily involved in multiple attacking moves. However, better execution could have led to a Salah goal. Subbed.
Subs
Darwin Nunez - 6/10 - Willing runner and finally put the ball in the net but was offside. Long ranged effort saved.
Ryan Gravenberch - 6/10 - Did not see a lot of the ball after coming on, but made a few progressive carries.
Dominik Szoboszlai - 6.5/10 - Looked to be playing with more confidence and linked up with Salah like the good old days. Shot saved at the near post. Got involved whenever he could once he came on.
Curtis Jones - 6/10 - Like Gravenberch, did not have a lot to do but also did not help close the game out in the midfield either.