Aston Villa player ratings: Three 'naive' 5/10s in defeat at Liverpool

Unai Emery’s men were twice undone on the counter-attack as Darwin Nunez and Mohamed Salah’s clever finishes secured all three points for Liverpool at Anfield. Villa were competitive for much of the encounter but were naïve in committing too many players forward for set pieces, allowing the hosts to ruthlessly take advantage and extend their lead at the top of the Premier League.

Liverpool, brimming with energy and able to suffocate Villa with their high press, were the better side in the opening exchanges and profited from their strong start. Nunez netted in the 21st minute to set the tone, rounding Emiliano Martinez to complete a devastating move on the transition. Emery looked a frustrated figure as Villa failed miserably from an attacking corner routine, allowing Virgil van Dijk to clear a long ball over the top to Salah who got tangled up with Leon Bailey approaching goal. Nunez then took the loose ball into his stride before dribbling past Martinez and firing into the net for 1-0.

The Villans responded well to going a goal down and had a strong penalty shout when Ollie Watkins was bundled over by Ibrahima Konate, but referee David Coote waved away the appeals. An injury stoppage for Trent Alexander-Arnold gave VAR time to have a second look but Coote’s on-field decision was upheld.

Nunez should’ve doubled Liverpool’s lead from very similar situation to the opening goal but the striker wasted his opportunity. Villa remarkably tried the same corner routine again but on the other side - a cross to the near post to head back into the danger area - allowing Liverpool to break free on the counter. It was a miracle, quite frankly, that Nunez missed the target after Salah played him through.

Amadou Onana and Diego Carlos both went close to scoring headers for Villa just before half time but were denied by impressive stops at point-blank range from Liverpool’s Caoimhin Kelleher. Morgan Rogers had a great chance to score just after the break, too, but the attacker scuffed wide when one-on-one with the Reds’ goalkeeper.

The visitors were denied a penalty for the second time when Conor Bradley grabbed a handful of Pau Torres’ shirt and dragged the defender to the ground. Coote didn’t seem to see the incident in real time and VAR then waved on play a few moments later, frustrating all those in white. Emery made several substitutions as he pushed on for an equaliser but there was no way through the Reds’ resilient defence.

Salah then put the game to bed for Liverpool in the 84th minute, capping off another clinical counter. Carlos, the only Villa defender back after an attacking set piece, failed to deal with a long pass over the top as he headed straight into Salah’s path. The Egyptian winger then ran the length of Villa’s half and dinked over Martinez to make it 2-0, securing all three points for Arne Slot’s side.

Aston Villa player ratings vs Liverpool

Here’s how the players rated out of 10 as Villa dropped down to eighth in the Premier League with a 2-0 defeat at Anfield.

Emiliano Martinez - 5

Uncharacteristically rounded too easily by Nunez for Liverpool’s opener and was no match for Salah’s clever dink for 2-0. Made a couple of routine saves to stop Nunez scoring a couple more.

Ezri Konsa - 7

Kept Diaz at bay for much of the game and made one absolutely vital tackle to stop the winger scoring on the transition. Caught out of position a few times, mind, allowing Nunez and Gakpo to try their luck from outside the area.

Diego Carlos - 5

Made his fair share of recoveries but struggled with his passing out from the back and regrettably made the error ahead of Salah’s settler. Unlucky to see his first-half header saved as he got plenty of power behind it.

Pau Torres - 7

Showed terrific anticipation to block or clear a host of dangerous low crosses from the byline. It would’ve been easy for the Spaniard to commit himself earlier in those situations but he timed his interventions well. Played a part in Villa’s costly failed corner routine but merely followed instructions.

Lucas Digne - 6 (off 74’)

Stood up to Salah well for the most part but was in no-man’s land for Liverpool’s two notable counter-attacks. Swung in several dangerous crosses to no avail.

Amadou Onana - 7 (off 74’)

Got heavily involved defensively, timing tackles and clearances well to halt Liverpool’s momentum. Saw a powerful header saved by Kelleher, just like Carlos.

Youri Tielemans - 6

Unable to dictate the play as well as he normally does and gave away several sloppy fouls, one of which got him in the book.

Jacob Ramsey - 7 (off 45’)

Looked full of confidence as he displayed brilliant footwork to escape the press on a few occasions. Gave away possession in the lead-up Nunez’s goal, though, scuffing his pass after Villa’s corner. Forced off with a knock just before half time.

Leon Bailey - 5 (off 65’)

Provided width down the right but struggled with his ball control. A little lucky not to be sent off in the lead-up to Nunez’s goal as he made a tactical last-man foul on Salah but wasn’t reprimanded. 

Morgan Rogers - 6

Struggled to get the better of Liverpool’s midfield trio often enough and was booked for a lunge on van Dijk.

Ollie Watkins - 6 (off 65’)

Denied a penalty in the first half when he was pushed over by Konate. Missed a great chance a few minutes earlier, scuffing wide of the far post.

Subs:

John McGinn - 7 (on 45’)

Came on a little earlier than expected, replacing the injured Ramsey. Worked hard to win possession and kick-start the odd counter.

Jaden Philogene - 5 (on 65’)

Couldn’t make anything stick when dribbling up against Robertson, giving up possession more often than not.

Jhon Duran - 6 (on 65’)

Struggled to make his mark on the game as he made only eight touches.