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Liverpool 2 – 0 Aston Villa – Premier League Player Ratings

The Premier League’s return after a horrendously managed departure from the EFL Cup saw a powerful and structured Villa arrive to face a weak and misshapen Liverpool at Anfield. The Stadium was vibrant and the team finally responded with a good display of intent that brought three points.

The lineup and subsequent ratings are listed below.

Giorgi Mamardashvili – 8.0

The giant Georgian stopper was superb with an early one-handed save, as a deflected effort arced toward the near post top corner. A further strong stop was needed shortly after as he had to push away a powerful strike from distance.

After the restart, the Reds’ backup keeper was steady and reliable as sporadic attacks came his way.

Conor Bradley – 7.0

The Irish fullback was lively if ineffective in the opening stages as he failed to effectively combine with those around him.

After the break, the inconsistent defender was very good in the final third early on as he created and had a good half volley saved. More freedom going forward certainly suited his style of play.

Andy Robertson – 7.0

The Scotland international was unlucky early on as he found himself free in the box and shot at a defensive body. Steady and dependable in the first half.

After the intermission, the veteran full-back was good in both halves as he gave determination and experience in equal measures.

Ibrahima Konat̩ Р7.0

The French international defender was combative early on and looked to impose his physical presence with aerial wins. A poor moment of hesitation on the ball nearly created a goal-scoring opportunity for Villa.

In the second period, the former RB Leipzig man was strong and alert as counterattacks needed repelling.

Virgil van Dijk – 7.0

The captain and leader of this team was vital in stopping a dangerous break midway through the first half, as openings availed themselves yet again.

After the intermission, the former Celtic giant was very assured and determined as he pushed his side towards a vital win.

Dominik Szoboszlai – 9.0

The Hungarian skipper was vibrant early on and hammered a shot from distance which drifted just wide. A terrific piece of pressing saw him clean through on goal; however, a weak left-footed effort was easily smothered. A very smart free kick was well saved midway through the half.

When the match resumed, the former RB Leipzig man was superb and tenacious. The ability to drive with the ball and invent with a variety of passes saw him excel.

Ryan Gravenberch – 8.0

The Dutch midfielder was good when travelling with the ball and linking play, yet limited when space was not available.

After the half-time break, the former Ajax prodigy was able to score the second goal with a penetrating run and a deflected shot which found its way past the opposition goalkeeper.

Alexis Mac Allister – 8.0

The Argentina international was quietly controlling the tempo of the Reds game in the first half, as he looked to hold the middle whilst his more athletic partners travelled the pitch.

After the break, the 2023 summer signing was able to supply the assist for the vital second goal with a positive pass to Ryan Gravenberch.

Cody Gakpo – 7.0

The Dutch attacker was able to scupper a couple of good opportunities to create, as his slow and methodical approach stunted progression in the final third. A good run across the goal brought a foul midway through the half as he found the space to move inside.

In the second half, the wide man was a good wide outlet and showed smart moments to support those around him.

Hugo Ekitike – 7.0

The French attacker was unlucky early on as he angled a header across goal which nearly saw him assist the opening goal.

After the break, the former PSG striker was quietly effective as he showed glimpses of good form.

Mohamed Salah – 8.0

The Egyptian King was electric in the opening stages as he looked to drive inside and deliver a dangerous floated ball to the back post. Grabbed the vital opening goal as the Reds took the initiative with his quick thinking and a smart strike.

In the second 45 minutes, the record-breaking attacker was clearly enjoying carrying the ball and interlinking with his teammates further forward.

Substitutions;

Florian Wirtz – 6.0 (on 77)

Came on to bring more composure up top.

The Manager;

Arne Slot – 8.0

The Dutch head coach was always picking this side and laying out the same system and shape, which is a continuing concern considering the failure that came before. Luckily, a renewed sense of urgency was evident as his starters fought for their head coach

The substitutions were limited as changes were noted needed.

Steven Smith’s Pre-match Prediction;

Liverpool 2 – 3 Aston Villa

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