Liverpool Player Ratings as Salah and Van Dijk Shine in 2-0 Victory | OneFootball

Liverpool 2-0 Aston Villa – Premier League Player Ratings

The Premier League schedule resumed with an unusual Saturday night fixture, one undertaken under the famous Anfield lights

The line up and subsequent ratings are listed below.

Photo: IMAGO

Caoimhin Kelleher – 8.0

The Irish backup stopper started this game once more, as the reds await the return of their Brazilian no.1, Alisson Becker. The outstanding keeper’s first work was to save brilliantly from a close-range header (off a corner), which he repeated almost immediately with another instinctive save to keep his team ahead.

After the intermission, the 25-year-old was alert to danger and showed good maturity within a tight second period.

Trent Alexander Arnold – 7.0

The England superstar started with a desire to penetrate the Villa defensive line with his incisive passing range. Unfortunately picked up an early injury and left the field midway through the first half.

Subbed – 23 mins

Andy Robertson – 7.0

The Scotland international captain started this game with a desire to make a strong impression, with some good early defensive work. His want to push on left some space in behind, however, the veteran was able to find a decent balance between defence and attack.

In the second half of this game, the popular fullback should have assisted early on, as his fine cross was headed just wide of the near post by his Uruguayan teammate, Darwin. The choices made on and off the ball were measured in a good overall performance.

Ibrahima Konaté – 9.0

The France international defender was keen to show his physicality early on, as a marker for what he was intent to bring. With a half of continual battles, the giant defender was superb to ensure his team maintained their first half lead.

After the break, the former RB Leipzig man was again strong and combative when needed, as Villa fought to find an equaliser.

Virgil van Dijk – 9.0 (Man of the Match)

The captain and leader of this team was very strong early on, to stem the tide of a good counter by Aston Villa and their vibrant assets. His clearing defensive output provided a superb opportunity on the break, as he enabled the opening goal with a perfectly executed pass.

After the break, the 33-year-old Anfield legend was commanding and committed, with the game state drifting towards tense against a tough opponent. A superb clearance denied a near certain goal off a great cross, as the reds endeavoured to hold on.

Ryan Gravenberch – 8.0

The Duch midfielder was the deepest midfielder of three and was quick on the ball, especially in tight areas. A brilliant block was needed early on, after Trent Alexander Arnold lost his man on the edge of the box.

As the encounter resumed, the 6ft 3inch midfielder was a workhorse when needed, with the game on a knife edge for the entirety of the second half.

Alexis Mac Allister – 7.0

The Argentina World Cup winner started this game with a lively and aggressive intent, as the hosts hunted the opening goal. With a firm balance in his work, the former Brighton man was a key component in the Anfield engine room through a ferociously quick first half.

After the halftime team talk, the controlling midfielder was workmanlike against a strong opposition.

Subbed – 86 mins

Curtis Jones – 7.0

The academy graduate started with a remit to link the midfield and attack. With good coverage and smart touches, the England squad member was vital to the control of the middle ground in a lively first half.

In the second period, the versatile midfielder was solid before departing the field.

Subbed – 64 mins

Darwin Núñez – 7.0

The Uruguayan raging bull was full of energy and worked hard off the ball from the outset. The opening goal was all about pace and desire, as he launched into a wonderful counter attack and finished superbly. The strapping striker should have doubled his tally (and the lead) just after the half hour mark, as a blistering counter ended with the 6ft 2inch attacker firing over the bar. A smart shot towards the end of the half was easily saved by the opposition goalkeeper.

As the game resumed, the output of the former PSV man was unlucky not to score with a solid near post header, before he had a nice long-range effort caught by Emi Martinez.

Subbed – 64 mins

Luis Díaz – 7.0

The Columbian forward started on the left wing after a dazzling centre forward display in the week. In the opening stages, 27-year-old was lively and wiry, as he looked to engage inside and wide.

After the restart, the former Benfica man was again unpredictable in his work, with some good link up with his left back, Andy Robertson. Moved inside after the substitutions to offer more movement.

Mohamed Salah – 9.0

The Egyptian King was keen to get a run on his marker from the off and had a half chance smothered in the opening moments. His breakaway enabled the opening goal, as his pace produced a great assist for his teammate, Darwin Núñez.

After the break, the former Chelsea man was covered well and struggled to impact the early second half. His match winning goal was as superb end to a very fine performance, one which showed he can still be that fleet footed destroyer on the break.

Substitutions:

Conor Bradley – 7.0 (on 23)

Came on early and offered good pace and resilience throughout.

Dominik Szoboszlai – 6.0 (on 64)

Came on to add more power.

Cody Gakpo – 6.0 (on 64)

Came on to allow more threat from wide.

Wataru Endō – 6.0 (on 87)

Came on to add bite.

The Manager:

Arne Slot – 9.0

The Dutch manager was keen to get a strong starting eleven onto the pitch, which enabled a first half lead through a difficult period.

All the substitutions were smart decisions, however, the first half injury to his vice-captain, Trent Alexander Arnold, was a worry.

Steven Smith’s Pre-match Prediction:

Liverpool 3-0 Aston Villa