Liverpool bounced back from their heavy midweek defeat to edge out a spirited Aston Villa at Anfield. Goals from Sadio Mane and Curtis Jones sealed victory for a lacklustre Liverpool side. It was a poor performance overall from the Reds, but their quality showed in the end.
Liverpool Edge Out a Spirited Aston Villa
Sadio Mane Delivering Once Again
While it was not the best response to Thursday’s defeat to Manchester City, Liverpool managed to see off a spirited Villa team. Liverpool’s hangover of Thursday clearly showed in the first 45 minutes.
Mohamed Salah had Liverpool’s only shot of the first half, forcing an easy save from the returning Pepe Reina. Villa were playing excellently but lacked the clinical edge to hurt Liverpool.
The second half started no better for the Reds, forcing Jurgen Klopp into changes. The introduction of Jordan Henderson, Georginio Wijnaldum and Roberto Firmino slowly woke Liverpool up.
The Brazilian, in particular, was beginning to influence proceedings, playing some neat passes with Sadio Mane. The Senegalese, looking like the Reds’ most likely match-winner, haunted Villa once again. He powered a shot with the help of the crossbar past Pepe Reina.
Mane continued to impress and his movement was causing the visitors problems. He ghosted into the box for the crucial first goal. Liverpool took control, keeping possession and forcing Villa to press.
Curtis Jones’ breakthrough season got even better as he sealed the victory with a deflected shot of the leg of Tyrone Mings. Jones came on and brought some energy to a tired Liverpool team.
A good win for Liverpool in a match where their tiredness showed. A poor display overall but the points record remains alive. As for Villa, it was an excellent effort from Dean Smith’s team, who frustrated Liverpool all game. On another day, their chances may have gone into the net. Grealish’s low shot or Mings’s knockdown may have nuzzled into the net.
There were plenty of positives to take for Villa, as they battle to avoid an instant return to the Championship. Play like that for the rest of the campaign and the Midlands based side will certainly pick up points.
Sadio Mane Continuing to Prove How Valuable He is to Liverpool
Liverpool’s bright spark throughout the game was Mane. The Senegalese attacker always looked Liverpool’s most likely scorer. He was quiet in the first half so much so he was dropping into midfield to get Liverpool forward. A link up Mohamed Salah didn’t quite come off.
However, he continued to probe and his persistence was rewarded with a good goal. Another excellent performance from him and it’s no wonder he is Liverpool’s go to player.
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