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Liverpool ended its losing run in impressive fashion on Saturday, comfortably beating Aston Villa in a one-sided affair at Anfield.
Mohamed Salah and Ryan Gravenberch grabbed the decisive goals as Liverpool moved back to third place - at least for the time being.
Admittedly, Villa's niave approach helped Liverpool control the game, but the enhanced performance will be a welcome boost for Arne Slot following a week of intense criticism. This was Liverpool back to its best as the champions offering an encouraging sign that it is still involved in the title race.
Swagger returns
This was more like it from Liverpool, as Arne Slot's side put in its best performance at home, and in the Premier League, since that victory over Tottenham Hotspur in April which secured the title. Across all areas of the pitch, this was a drastic improvement. Defensively, Liverpool was more organized, it dominated in midfield and created a plethora of scoring chances up front. Ryan Gravenberch's return was key, while Salah, with a little help from Emiliano Martinez, rediscovered his goalscoring touch.
Slot reverts to tried and trusted
Under pressure to end Liverpool's losing run, Slot's line-up was always going to be under the spotlight, especially after the midweek selection against Crystal Palace. For Villa, the Dutchman opted to revert to his trusted players from last season, which included Andy Robertson, who replaced Milos Kerkez to make his first league start of the season. Slot also went with the effective midfield from the '24/25 campaign of Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai, meaning Florian Wirtz dropped to the bench. That proved to be an inspired decision, with the reliable midfield trio controlling the center of the pitch and providing a platform for Liverpool to dictate the play.
Dom dispute
An ex-Everton man can never expect a a welcome reception at Anfield, but Dominik Szoboszlai perhaps went a little far when he shoved Amadou Onana into the billboards at the side of the pitch. That sparked something of a minor melee with Villa keeper Martinez confronting Szobszlai, with plenty of finger wagging and pushing. Perhaps even more controversially, play stopped to allow the the stricken Onana to receive treatment, despite lying off the pitch. Liverpool fans were incensed, while Villa supporters were still reeling from Szoboszlai's needless shove. In the end, referee Stuart Atwell instructed Villa to get on with the game again, and Onana was soon back in the action.
More Salah milestones
Salah's season has underwhelmed, but he was back setting records and achieving landmarks on Saturday. His goal in first-half injury-time was his 250th for the club - a frankly staggering number. It also marked 276 Premier League goal involvements for Liverpool equalling Wayne Rooney's record for a single club, which, of course, he managed at Manchester United. In general, this was a reinvigorated Salah, playing with the poise and confidence fans routinely saw last season.
Fans make feelings clear
Judging by social media, you'd guess Slot no longer held unanimous support among the fanbase. But match-going supporters will always provide a more reliable indicator. That Slot's name rang out from the Kop midway through the first half is a clear sign that Liverpool's title-winning coach remains a popular figure with the fans.
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