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Liverpool 3 – 0 Aston Villa

Match day 4 for the reds, as a very good Aston Villa team made the trip to Anfield for this Sunday afternoon encounter. The team saw the captain, Virgil van Dijk, drop out due to his suspension, with Joe Gomez taking his place in the Liverpool backline. Curtis Jones replaced Wataru Endō and Darwin came into the attack in the place of Cody Gakpo.

https://twitter.com/LFC/status/1698304912218530298?s=20

Alisson Becker – 8.0

The wonder save against Newcastle allowed the reds to go on and win the game last weekend. Had a low key first half, before producing a wondrous save from Matty Cash early in the second half.

Trent Alexander Arnold – 8.0

Started with more of an eye on maintaining a 4-3-3 system when needed, before scampering into his hybrid initiative to control the patterns of attacking play. As the reds steadily dominated the game, so did the captains wish to step into midfield. His pinpoint precision allowed for the first goal, with his corner kick leading to Dominik Szoboszlai first goal. His intelligence in play was mirrored by his impact as captain on the day. Coming off early is a concern.

Subbed – 72 mins

Man of the Match

Andy Robertson – 6.0

An important game for the Scotland captain, as Joe Gomez took his place beside him. Had his hands full at times and was maybe too rash into some challenges. Was eager and effective enough overall.

Joël Matip – 7.0

Another start for the giant Cameroonian, with the huge task of maintaining the superb Ollie Watkins. He was exactly what was needed, which was a steady and reliable backline entity. More of this is needed across the season.

Joe Gomez – 7.0

An opportunity for the England international to gain both minutes and form for the first team. Had a scary moment midway through the first half, as he stumbled in possession to allow the visitors only real first half opportunity. His performance was good and what is required for a backup player.

Dominik Szoboszlai – 8.0

The reds most impressive outfield player of the season so far, his importance is already abundantly clear. A blasted finish opened the scoring on two minutes, with a delicious strike emerging from a Liverpool corner. His energy and production for the home side was emphatic and he offers both danger and energy in equal measures.

Alexis Mac Allister – 8.0

A facilitator given the lack of a ball winning defensive midfielder. Was a recycling machine that was always positionally correct, as the vibrant nature of the team spread around him. Such an intelligent player.

Subbed – 87 mins

Curtis Jones – 6.0

The talented youngster has a chance to solidify his place in this team, after such a tremendous run towards the end of last season. His want to impress and work for his team was a good sign. Good to have him back.

Subbed – 65 mins

Luis Díaz – 7.0

Unlucky to be substituted last weekend, as the Virgil dismissal needed a fall guy. He was a dangerous outlet that was commonly the out-ball in a busy first half. Was often doubled up upon in a dangerous display of intent. Such a weapon to have.

Subbed – 65 mins


Darwin Núñez – 7.0

The most explosive and unpredictable forward in our ranks, his two-goal eruption last weekend meant he simply had to start this game. He was unplayable at times as his running and strength created space for those around him. Assisted the own goal and then flicked on to provide Mohamed Salah for goal number three. Hit the wood woodwork a few times and should have had at least one goal. Very encouraging, again.

Subbed – 65 mins

Mohamed Salah – 7.0

A curious week of speculation saw the Egyptian King start more. Really starting to get an understanding with his powerful strike partner, with both linking together create goals two and three. The fluidity with new teammates will come and so will a flurry of goals.

Subs;

Cody Gakpo – 5.0 (on 65)

Added a different style of control, instead of Darwin’s power and burst.

Diogo Jota – 5.0 (on 65)

Came on to be offer running.

Harvey Elliott – 5.0 (on 65)

Busy and alert on a hot afternoon.

Jarell Quansah – 5.0 (on 72)

The 5th choice with some more minutes.

Wataru Endo – N/App (on 87 mins)

The Manager;

Jürgen Klopp – 8.0

The manager created a huge buzz by finally naming Darwin in his starting eleven. With Joe Gomez predictably coming in for his team captain, it was then a choice of going for either Wataru Endō or Curtis Jones. In order to implement more dynamism, the German opted for the Englishman, with saw Alexis start as the holding midfield piece.

The first half was so encouraging as the system and its pieces really engaged one another. The chances and goals flowed with very little issues emanating from a tactical point of few. Going in with a two-nil lead was ideal.

The second half saw the game killed off early, with signs of tantalizing chemistry building between his forwards. His substitutes were employed to freshen his team and dampen down any potential comeback.

Pre-match Prediction;

Liverpool 3 – 1 Aston Villa

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