Aston Villa 2 – 2 Liverpool – Premier League Player Ratings
Following the 2-1 win over Wolves at Anfield, Liverpool made the trip to the Midlands where an encounter with their Champions League rivals awaited. The opportunity to go ten points clear of second-placed Arsenal was on the line, with Arne Slot keen to gain a psychological advantage.
The lineup and subsequent ratings are listed below.
Alisson Becker – 6.0
The world-class Brazilian stopper was forced into an eye-catching clearance early on, as he punched the ball clear from a dangerous cross into his penalty area. Was unable to stop the first or second goal as each strike was beyond the reach of the number one.
After the restart, the former Roma keeper was guilty of rushing out of his penalty area and missing the ball, however, Ibou was able to spare his keeper’s blushes with a header away.
Trent Alexander Arnold – 6.0
The England superstar started the game with concentration as he looked to positionally shackle Marcus Rashford. Within a half of frustrations, the number 66 was unable to offer much in either half.
In the second half, the explosive fullback was the man who drove forward and scored the equaliser courtesy of a deflection.
Subbed – 65 mins
Andy Robertson – 5.0
The Scottish international was heavily involved in the creation of half chances early on, as the Reds looked to strike as quickly as possible. The defensive showing of the international skipper was solid enough as Villa targeted the opposite flank through the first half.
After the halftime break, the veteran fullback was effective in stopping crosses from wide as the hosts looked to attack from the flanks.
Ibrahima Konaté – 8.0
The France international defender was vital in producing a clearance early on as the game swung from end to end. Some vital headers were needed to repel the Villans in a tough opening period of play.
On resumption of the game, the towering defender was forced the head the ball behind as an open goal was created by Ali’s rush from his box. Produced numerous good defensive moments to keep his side level.
Virgil van Dijk – 7.0
The captain and leader of this team was almost the opening goal scorer as he blazed over from close range. The giant skipper would have been relieved to see his own goal ruled out for offside. The legendary defender was perhaps flat-footed for both first-half goals as the ball evaded him on both occasions.
In the second period of the game, the former Celtic man was dominating when heading the ball clear and looked to tighten up his rearguard.
Ryan Gravenberch – 5.0
The Duch midfielder was guilty of ball-watching early on as he allowed a break to evolve after he failed to track his runner. His inability to impose his game was again alarming in a forgettable first-half showing.
After the break, the former Ajax prodigy was more committed to driving forward.
Dominik Szoboszlai – 6.0
The Hungarian skipper was busy and bright in the opening period, as the two Champions League teams fought for the ball. The remainder of the first half was a limited showcase of his abilities, with much of the game passing him by.
In the second 45 minutes, the former RB Leipzig star had a snapshot easily saved from the edge of the box. More productive and energized than in the first half.
Alexis Mac Allister – 6.0
The Argentina World Cup winner was keen to maintain a rigid central position, as the game delved into an open battle between two strong teams. The controlling entity was hounded and harassed as the hosts targeted him in a bruising first half.
In the second half of this game, the former Brighton star was effective on and off the ball.
Subbed – 80 mins
Curtis Jones – 5.0
The England midfielder was a little position-less on the left as struggled to get a hold of his role.
After the restart, the central midfield man was more involved as he looked to drift inside and look for the ball in central areas.
Diogo Jota – 6.0
The Portuguese forward started in the middle and had a couple of half chances to open the scoring early on. The prolific marksman was able to provide the opening assist as he pounced on a misplaced pass and laid on the ideal opportunity for Mohamed Salah to score the game’s first goal.
After the halftime break, the former Wolves man was nearly the man to level the scores as his strike clipped the top of the crossbar and over.
Subbed – 65 mins
Mohamed Salah – 8.0
The Egyptian King was unable to make a notable impact in the initial stages, as the game state reverted towards the home side and their game plan. Luckily for the travelling support, a misplaced header was soon followed by the encounter’s opening goal, as he planted the ball into the roof of the net from close range.
After the intermission, the record-breaking goalscorer was the man to assist Trent Alexander Arnold after a great run into the opposition penalty area. Some fine attacking play was evident as the 32-year-old looked to create for his team.
Man of the Match
So frustrating. Thought first half hour was pretty decent, but we just seem to keep having these spells where we can’t get out.
Two shots on target and two goals, absolutely punished.
Not too sure on Jones out on the left either. #LFC #AVLLIV
— Ben Pescod (@benpescodjourno) February 19, 2025
Substitutions;
Conor Bradley – 6.0 (on 65)
Came on to add more energy.
Subbed – 88 mins
Darwin Núñez – 2.0 (on 65)
Came on to add more physicality. A horror miss came almost immediately to compound the Uruguayan man’s limitations.
Luis Díaz – 4.0 (on 80)
Can on to add variety.
Jarell Quansah – N/A (on 80)
Came on.
The Manager;
Arne Slot – 6.0
The Dutch manager picked his best available eleven as Cody Gakpo missed out through injury once more and Curtis Jones started to add numbers to a midfield that has looked tired.
The second-half substitutions were limited in their impact.
How do you miss from here Darwin… pic.twitter.com/tHuyy45i70
— Moby (@Mobyhaque1) February 19, 2025
Steven Smith’s Pre-match Prediction;
Aston Villa 1 – 2 Liverpool
