The COVID-19 outbreak in the senior camp forced Aston Villa to field their U23s against Liverpool in the Emirates FA Cup tie. The contest at Villa Park reminded of last season’s League Cup contest where the Reds played their kids due to the Club World Cup commitments in Qatar. Despite being impressive, they suffered a 5-0 defeat versus the Villians and the group of teenagers tonight, representing the Claret and Blues, turned out to be even better.
Jurgen Klopp fielded a strong lineup, but the embarrassing show saw the Merseysiders failing to defend an early lead and conceding late in the first half. The flood gate was finally open after the hour mark and the visitors clinched a 4-1 win surviving the scare of the greatest ever FA Cup upset.
Below are the Liverpool players rated in their win against Aston Villa.
Caoimhin Kelleher: 6
Was not at all busy between the sticks until 17-year-old Louie Barry’s stunning goal where he could have done little. His outing and distribution were perfect otherwise to build the game up from the back.
Neco Williams: 7.5
The youngster replaced Trent Alexander-Arnold down the right-hand side of the ‘back four’ and made his contribution early on with a pinpoint cross for Sadio Mane who did no mistake in heading it home.
Rhys Williams: 5
The teenager should have done a lot better to stop Barry’s run when the latter beat him in pace and fired in exquisitely beyond Kelleher. The youngsters of Villa formed a few counter-attacking moves and targetted Williams who looked nervy time and again.
Fabinho: 6.5
Mostly spent his time in the middle of the park due to Liverpool’s persistent pressing. Had an effort denied by majestic Ákos Onódi, also performed his defensive duties whenever required. Could not close down Barry’s run which, however.
James Milner: 7.5
Kept on making overlapping runs and operated as a wide attacker with cut insides, crosses and efforts from distance. One of the very few Liverpool players who tried to be a little creative and unpredictable tonight.
Jordan Henderson: 5
Pretty poor display from the skipper who lacked accuracy with his crosses and long balls. Failed to build up any momentum from the centre of the pitch and was taken off at half-time to be replaced by Thiago Alcantara.
Georginio Wijnaldum: 7.5
Missed a sitter early in the game but ran his socks off like he usually does. It was him though who restored the lead around the hour mark thus helping the Reds avoid humiliation and open the floodgate in the second half.
Curtis Jones: 6.5
Tested Onódi in Villa goal and covered a lot of ground as he tried to link up with fellow teammates across the pitch. But the young midfield prodigy was still lacking the creative spark and eventually made way for Roberto Firmino moments after Wijnaldum’s goal.
Mohamed Salah: 7
The Egyptian had a dreadful first-half when he wasted some decent opportunities. He was a bit selfish in an attempt to find the net on his own but delivered an improved display after the break and slotted in with a smart finish to make it 4-1. Made way for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain around the 74th-minute mark.
Takumi Minamino: 6.5
His runs were not purposeful on most occasions. Registered an assist though when he set it up for Wijnaldum and was taken off to be replaced by Xherdan Shaqiri immediately after.
Sadio Mane: 8.5
Back among goals within four minutes into the game and doubled his tally with another header after picking up Shaqiri’s lofted delivery.
Liverpool Substitutes
Thiago: 8.5
Changed the game completely as the Villa kids had no answer to his exquisite passing, vision and variation. Played his part in the build-ups and was also denied by the woodwork once in the closing minutes of the match.
Roberto Firmino: 6
Created a few chances but failed to add more goals to the scoresheet.
Xherdan Shaqiri: 7.5
Had an impressive cameo as he made two assists soon after replacing Minamino.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain: 5.5
Had a few attempts from distance with no notable contribution.
Divock Origi: 5.5
Had a few attempts from distance with no notable contribution.
