Liverpool kept their title hopes alive with their narrow 2-1 win over Aston Villa at the Villa Park. It was a busy first half for both the teams as both of them applied pressure on the other.It was end to end play. Both the teams created a lot of chances. However, Aston Villa was the first team to get their name on the score sheet.
The goal came quite early- at four minutes of the game. The goal for Villa was scored by Douglas Luiz. However, Liverpool was quick to respond. Liverpool equalized just two minutes later from a goal by Joel Matip.
Naby Keita missed a good chance from an Alexander Arnold cross. Watkins too came close to scoring. After the second half, Arnold hit the side net from a free-kick but still could not get the breakthrough. However, the end-to-end nature of the game faded as the game progressed. Liverpool enjoyed long bouts of possession on the ball. It was not long before Sadio Mane finally got the goal which turned out to be the winner in the match.
LIVERPOOL PLAYER RATINGS
Alisson 6/10
Made a bad pass that nearly ended up in goal. Moreover, was unable to cover for Luiz’s goal. However, made a good stop from a Danny Ings shot.
Trent-Alexander Arnold 6/10
Was good with the ball higher up the pitch. However, could not defend well especially against Coutinho.
Joel Matip 7/10
Scored the equalizer. However, had a hard time against Watkins.
Virgil Van Dijk 5/10
Was unable to keep up with Watkins which led to the first goal. Moroever, lost the ball on a number of occasions. Though, made some good tackles.
Kostas Tsimikas 5/10
Had a hard time going forward with the ball. Watkins had an easy time around him.
Fabinho 5/10
This performance was not desired from him. Gave some really poor touches. Then was subbed off with a hamstring injury.
Naby Keita 5/10
Missed a great chance on goal. Moreover, he seemed to be lost in the game.
Curtis Jones 5/10
Did not played at his usual pace. Looked quite poor on the ball.
Luis Diaz 7/10
Played quite well in the wing. Moreover, got the assist for Mane’s winner.
Sadio Mane 6/10
Scored an excellent header to win the match. However, looked nervy as the main striker.
Diego Jota 5/10
Had a hard time around Matty Cash. Failed to get involved in the game.
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