Although it’s been just another Premier League fixture over the years, Liverpool’s Saturday afternoon contest against Aston Villa grabbed the attention of the fanatics across the football world. Steven Gerrard returned to Anfield on a Premier League weekend, though as the manager of the visiting Villans who scripted a swift turnaround under his tutelage.
Gerrard indeed handled those emotions well and put the Reds under immense pressure with grit and determination. But a rare mistake from Tyrone Mings was capitalized by Mohamed Salah who earned and converted a spotkick to make the difference.
Below are the Aston Villa players rated in their 1-0 defeat against Liverpool.
Emiliano Martinez: 7
Usually effective while saving penalties but had no answer to Salah’s perfectly taken strike that earned the hosts three massive points. Made some strong saves otherwise to keep Villa relevant in this outing.
Matty Cash: 6.5
Was clumsy at times with his tackles. Had some nervy occasions against Sadio Mane and Andrew Robertson down the wide. Concentrated on his defensive duties, also had a few overlapping runs to create chances upfront.
Ezri Konsa: 6.5
A combative display from the centre-half against the pacy Liverpool attack. Lost some duels but maintained concentration while clearing crosses and through balls.
Tyrone Mings: 6
Was certainly the man of the match contender until the error midway through the second half. Should not have committed inside the box given his experience and expertise in the heart of the backline.
Matt Targett: 6.5
Did extremely well against Mohamed Salah as the Egyptian was mostly kept quiet on the flank. Offered little going forward except for a few quick counter-attacking moves.
Marvelous Nakamba: 6.5
Made some key interceptions in the centre of the pitch, also marshalled the backline with sheer composure while dealing with the relentless Liverpool attacks. Was on a yellow and therefore, taken off around the hour mark for Morgan Sanson.
John McGinn: 7
Was not always successful with his dribbles, but the Scotsman was quick to recover possession despite immense pressing from the home side. Could have been more accurate high up the pitch with final balls and deliveries.
Douglas Luiz: 7.5
Won the majority of duels, showed great footwork and holding traits. Tried to orchestrate the game from the centre of the pitch, also impressed with his off the ball work rate.
Jacob Ramsey: 6.5
The youngster had another bright outing against the world-class opponents. Got dispossessed a couple of times, however, was successful with his dribbling attempts and managed to draw fouls banking on his swift footwork and flashy skills. Made way for Danny Ings before the final quarter of the encounter.
Ashley Young: 6.5
Had a couple of great opportunities inside the box that he failed to convert. In spite of being in his mid-thirties, the work rate of the Englishman was exemplary once again. Made way for Emiliano Buendia midway through the second half.
Ollie Watkins: 6
Tried to cause a few problems in the Liverpool backline with his movements and quick twists and turns. Failed to test Alisson Becker though who looked nervy in this edgy outing.
Aston Villa Substitutes Vs Liverpool
Morgan Sanson: 6.5
Tried to carry the ball forward from the deep to operate in the advanced areas of the pitch.
Emiliano Buendia: 6
Failed to inject firepower upfront despite coming on as a second-half substitute.
Danny Ings: 6
Made no significant impact since replacing Ramsey.
