Player Ratings: Liverpool 2-1 Aston Villa

Emi Martínez: 7/10

A busy afternoon in Merseyside for the Argentine keeper with the man between the sticks producing eight saves from a dysfunctional Liverpool front line. The goalkeeper also saw his fair share of the ball completing 20 passes of the ball. However, no doubt will be disappointed in the manner of the two goals conceded with the first unable to parry the oppositions attempt away from the head of eager forward Mo Salah and then in the dying embers the winner presenting itself after the defence failed to get rid of a loose ball following on from a sharp reaction save from short distance.

Matty Cash: 7/10

With the away side tasked mainly with defensive duties away at the champions the Aston Villa defence endured a busy afternoon with full back Matty Cash possessing seventy one touches of the ball throughout proceedings. Four of those were clearances, six being interceptions and two being tackles. He was also able to relieve pressure when called upon winning three fouls for his side. An accurate pass completion rate of 74% allowed the full back to transition the ball forward, but more importantly keep possession in testing circumstances. He will be slightly relieved as his inability to clear the ball meant Liverpool saw a goal ruled out in the latter stages of the first half as he inadvertently played Liverpool forward Diogo Jota offside.

Ezri Konsa: 7/10

Under the watchful eye of Gareth Southgate, the centre back will have been keen to make a good impression with another consistent performance amongst Villa’s backline. It was seemingly last ditch defending he resorted to with five clearances, two blocks, two tackles and an interception to his name. However, seemingly out of character the young centre back lost possession seven times throughout the ninety minutes and should have scored the first goal of the game with a header after he found himself unmarked at the back post.

Tyrone Mings: 6/10

The England International endured a wobbly start to proceedings as a lapse lapse of concentration presented Liverpool forward Mo Salah a 1 on 1 which he subsequently turned his nose up at putting it wide of the post. The stand in centre back was clearly discontent with his performance in the first half as he could be seen countless times shaking his head at what could only be taken as a sign of frustration on his behalf. However in the second half he improved with a number of important clearances and aerial duels won to help relieve the pressure on the visitors backline.

Matt Targett: 7/10

The former Southampton full back was very solid defensively putting his body on the line with a number of blocks, interceptions and tackles to his name. He was dominant at winning the ball back with five successful challenges made out of seven attempted and asserted his authority winning the ball in the air with an impressive headed clearance towards the latter stages. In a game that lacked very few chances for the away team he also managed to carve out a big chance for his teammate which was not converted.

Douglas Luiz: 6/10

The young Brazilian found himself up against International counterpart Fabinho on this occasion and had mixed joy in terms of his performance. He had a 50% successful amount of ground duels won however was not so assertive in the air. In what was a bright start to the afternoon the Brazilian seemed to pick up a knock within the first half and seemed destined to be replaced, however after a lengthy discussion with the club doctors maintained his place in the middle of the park but struggled to regain authority in the middle of the park.

Marvelous Nakamba: 6/10

The Zimbabwean International found himself starved of possession with only thirty three touches of the ball before he was replaced. However, within those touches he maintained a high pass completion rate whilst subsequently winning the ball back in dangerous locations to shift possession in his sides favour.

John McGinn: 7/10

Carrying on in the number 10 role after a successful outing in the previous fixture. The Scotsman enjoyed his attacking responsibility providing an assist to forward Ollie Watkins for the opening goal of the game. He was assertive in possession winning important fouls for the away side in what was a testing ninety minutes for his team. However, due to insufficient support from his wide players whenever he found himself with the ball in the attacking phase of play he was often unable to find a pass turning the ball over cheaply.

Trézéguet: 7/10

The wide man found himself tasked with mainly providing sufficient support to the full backs in the defensive transition of play. However, in the attacking phase he could have given the away side an all important second goal seeing his stab forward bounce off the inside of the upright consequently inches from a match defining moment. The Egyptian was replaced with ten minutes left and was seen to be in some distress as he left the field of play. At this moment in time it is unconfirmed the extent of the injury sustained however regardless we are all wishing the wide player a speedy recovery.

Bertrand Traoré: 6/10

The wide man failed to create sufficient support to the front man Ollie Watkins often leaving him isolated in possession. However, in the rare moments he found himself with the ball he was careful and considerate successfully completing all of his attempted forward runs at the opposing defence.

Ollie Watkins: 7/10

In a week where the Aston Villa striker announced him and his partner were expecting their first child, he continued his hot streak against the League Champions as he scored his fourth goal against them in two games. It was his only shot on target in the game, but he put it to good use and gave the visitors the lead going into half time.

Ross Barkley (SUB): 4

Anwar El Ghazi (SUB): 5

Jacob Ramsey (SUB): 6