Aston Villa 1-2 Liverpool: Liverpool Player Ratings

Sadio Mane’s 95th-minute winner helped Liverpool complete a remarkable last-ditch comeback, as the Reds preserved their six-point advantage over Man City at the top of the table with a 2-1 victory over Aston Villa at Villa Park in the Premier League on Saturday.

Jurgen Klopp’s side looked all set for their first defeat in the Premier League since January after Mahmoud Hassan had put the hosts in front with a well-taken goal off a John McGinn free-kick in the first half.

Roberto Firmino thought he had scored the equalizer but the Brazilian’s goal was flagged offside, with VAR confirming the decision after the ruling showed that Firmino’s shoulder was millimetres ahead of Tyrone Mings’ outstretched knee.

Mane forced an exceptional save from Tom Heaton in the second half and Adam Lallana missed a gilt-edged chance to draw level before the Senegalese international set up Andrew Robertson, who tapped in Mane’s cross at the back post to make it 1-1 with three minutes of regulation time left to play.

Mane then followed it up with a dramatic winner to secure all three points on what was a rather disappointing night in terms of quality for the reigning European champions.

Here are the Liverpool player ratings from Villa Park:-

1. Alisson (6/10)

Should have done more to prevent Trezeguet’s opener. Charged out of his area to make a crucial clearance in the second half but had little to do overall.

2. Trent Alexander-Arnold (7/10)

Once again Liverpool’s most influential creative outlet as the right-back switched the play with some delightful cross-field passes, and some of his deliveries into the box were really top-draw. Struggled to cope with the transitions at times but a really solid display.

3. Dejan Lovren (5.5/10)

The Croatian made some crucial clearances at the back but lacked composure in possession at times and one does get the feeling at Matip needs to get back to full fitness at the earliest.

4. Virgil van Dijk (6/10)

Not a particularly good day for the Dutchman but his lofty standards. Partly at fault for Trezeguet’s goal and booked for a cynical challenge.

5. Andrew Robertson (7/10)

Some of the Scotsman’s contribution in the final third lacked enough quality by his standards but he turned a disappointing night on its head with a good far-post run and a neat finish to level things up.

6. Adam Lallana (5/10)

He was clearly off the pace and lacked the cutting edge in his game to make any significant impact; missed a golden opportunity to draw level after the interval.

7. Jordan Henderson (6/10)

Played Mane in with a sumptuous chipped pass in the first half but lost his composure at a crucial moment in the second half which probably cost the Reds a goal. Most consistent enough throughout the game and could have done a lot better.

8. Georginio Wijnaldum (6/10)

A poor display from the Dutchman, who never showed any real intent further up the pitch. Didn’t have a lot to do defensively with Liverpool dominating possession.

9. Mo Salah (4.5/10)

Virtually non-existent throughout his time on the pitch; rightfully substituted early in the second half and he still doesn’t seem to be fit enough.

10. Sadio Mane (8/10)

Lacked the clinical edge in his game throughout the game but made all the difference in the latter stages with a goal and an assist to guide the team to three points.

11. Roberto Firmino (6/10)

The Brazilian was unlucky to have his goal chalked off for offside. Tried to use all his guile and craft to carve the Villans open but lacked enough end product.

Substitutes

1. Divock Origi (5/10)

Hardly did anything more than Mo Salah after coming on for the Egyptian. Hats off to his work rate but no significant end product.

2. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (6.5/10)

Probably did more in the last fifteen minutes than any of the other midfielders in the team throughout the game. Provided impetus when Liverpool needed some inspiration and had a couple of shots blocked in quick succession.

3. Naby Keita (N/A)

Not much time to make an impact.