Liverpool vs. Aston Villa Player Ratings: Salah Stars in Reds Win

Published November 9, 2024 10:17 pm

Updated November 9, 2024 10:20 pm

Author Matthew Bottomley

Mohamed Salah stars
Darwin Nunez scores despite misses
Ollie Watkins sloppy

Liverpool beat Aston Villa 2-0 to go five points clear at the top of the Premier League as Mohamed Salah was the match winner once again.

Liverpool took the lead in sensational fashion. Virgil Van Dijk clearing from a corner to set Mohamed Salah free, Salah through on goal was taken out by Leon Bailey but the ball fell to Darwin Nunez, after a touch took him wide the Uruguayan smashed the ball past Emiliano Martinez into the net.

The Reds had an almost identical chance minutes later, but this time Darin Nunez blasted over the bar. Despite their defensive fragility, Aston Villa continued to press forward, with Caoimhin Kelleher coming up with two terrific saves from back-to-back corners.

The second half continued as the first finished, open and with attacks at both ends. Aston Villa wouldn’t let up on the Liverpool goal, but it was the Reds counter attacking formula that worked once again. Mohamed Salah pressed a short changes Villa back line, winning the ball, charging through on goal and cheekily dinking Emiliano Martinez for 2-0.

Liverpool Player Ratings

Mohamed Salah stars yet again

Mohamed Salah starred yet again with a goal and an assist as his form continues.

Ryan Gravenberch and Liverpool’s defensive pair of Ibrahim Konate and Virgil Van Dijk also put in solid performances.

Caoimhin Kelleher – 7.0

Two great saves in the first half.

Trent Alexander-Arnold – 5.0

Didn’t have much time on the pitch before picking up a knock. Possibly the best time for the Liverpool defender with the International break on the way.

Ibrahim Konate – 7.5

Continuing his strong first half of the season.

Virgil Van Dijk – 7.5

Some vintage tackles and the pass that set off Salah for the opener.

Andrew Robertson – 7.0

After being out of the team, felt he needed to prove something and put on solid display.

Ryan Gravenberch – 7.5

Filling that deeper midfield role like a glove. May help Liverpool rethink their January transfer plans in that role.

Alexis Mac Allister – 6.5

Out shone by his midfield counterpart, but good none-the-less.

Mohamed Salah – 9.0

A constant threat with his pace and running. An assist and a goal as he continues to thrill.

Curtis Jones – 6.0

Not used to the advanced midfield role and relatively disappeared in the game.

Luis Diaz – 6.5

Always a threat, but didn’t get the ball in the right areas.

Darwin Nunez – 7.5

Took his goal really well, despite his first touch. Did find a moment for his token one-on-one miss too.

Subs

Conor Bradley – 6.0
Cody Gakpo – 6.0
Dominik Szoboszlai – 6.0
Wataru Endo – 5.0

Aston Villa Player Ratings

Aston Villa fail to find an answer in front of goal

Ollie Watkins failed to get a shot on target as Aston Villa struggled to create any meaningful chances.

It was also a poor night for Emiliano Martinez, who looked uncomfortable with every Liverpool attack.

Emiliano Martinez – 5.0

Looked uncomfortable at every Liverpool corner.

Ezri Konsa – 7.0

Some really important tackles, including stopping a four-on-one Liverpool counter attack.

Diego Carlos – 6.0

A lack of pace really hurt Aston Villa in this game.

Pau Torres – 6.0

A threat at corners but slow at the back.

Lucas Digne – 7.0

Digne’s crossing ability will never not be a threat.

Leon Bailey – 5.0

Would have been sent off for his challenge on Salah had Nunez not scored.

Amadou Onana – 7.0

Complemented Tielemans as well as anyone.

Youri Tielemans – 7.0

Part of the driving force with Onana, all that was good, went through Aston Villa’s midfield two.

Jacob Ramsey – 6.0

Positive, but couldn’t create that opportunity.

Morgan Rodgers – 5.5

Flipped from attacking midfield to a front two, but it affected is flow. Looked lost at times.

Ollie Watkins – 5.0

Lacked service, but also lacked a first touch.

Subs

Jhon Duran – 5.5
John McGinn – 5.0
Jaden Philogene – 5.0
Ian Maatsen – 5.0
Boubacar Kamara – 5.0

Liverpool vs. Aston Villa Stats

Liverpool created more meaningful chances and took them when they came, where as Aston Villa failed to get a foot hold in the game and really create in front of that Liverpool backline.