In their Premier League return from the World Cup break, Liverpool closed the gap for Champions League qualification to five points after they secured a 3-1 victory against Aston Villa on Monday.
The Reds got off to the perfect start after five minutes as defender Trent Alexander-Arnold’s exquisite pass with the outside of his foot found Andy Robertson, who allowed striker Mohamed Salah to add the finishing touch. Defender Virgil van Dijk added a second goal after a number of Liverpool chances, with Salah turning provider to help earn a two-goal lead before the break.
Manager Jurgen Klopp’s side were slow to start the second half and were punished after Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins headed one past goalkeeper Alisson, while misses from Darwin Nunez and Salah provided Unai Emery’s side with hope. That was until Stefan Bajcetic was introduced for Liverpool and the 18-year-old’s goal in the 81st minute eased Liverpool’s nerves as they saw out the remainder of the game.
Liverpool remain in sixth place on the table after a disappointing start to the season, but with Monday’s win are now just five points from fourth-place Tottenham and the Champions League qualification zone.
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Positives
A strong attacking display from Liverpool saw multiple chances created, and the three points will be vital in the race for the top four.
Negatives
Liverpool lowered their intensity in the second half, and that allowed Aston Villa with a path back into the game. Klopp’s side could have allowed the hosts to restore parity on another day.
Manager rating (out of 10)
Jurgen Klopp, 8 — Klopp adapted well to Aston Villa’s changes throughout the match to ensure that the Reds didn’t ever lose grip, despite a difficult start to the second half. Klopp’s introduction of Bajcetic with the game at 2-1 in the 79th minute proved to be decisive, with the 18-year-old quickly restoring the two-goal…
