After watching Manchester City fall to a wonderfully uplifting 2-1 defeat away to Brighton, the need for Liverpool players to step up and perform was critical in the hours after that game at the American Express Stadium. Aston Villa were on Merseyside to disrupt the reds bid to extend their lead at the summit of the Premier League, however, a solid team performance was delivered, especially by a few world class assets.
Regarding the senior individuals in red, it was the contract rebels, Mohamed Salah, and Virgil van Dijk, who offered the utmost brilliance at either end of the pitch. This was a tough game to win and it took every bit of experience by the Liverpool legends to ensure the full three points on offer, which saw the vicarious reds create a five-point lead at the top of the Premier League.
In terms of vital moments, the Egyptian King was sublime on the counter attack, as his counter attack (enabled initially by VVD) allowed the first goal to be created and scored by his striking companion, Darwin Núñez. His own goal was both a relief and a special moment for all convened (not Villa), as he raced forward and delivered a wonderful finish to calm the nerves of an Anfield crowd in full chorus.
Despite the brilliance of the record-breaking scorer, the magnificent defensive display and leadership of the Liverpool skipper, Virgil van Dijk, was even more important to the result. As Villa battered at the Liverpool rearguard and ran their hearts out to halt their recent woes, every moment and opportunity of attacking intent was countered by the 33-year-old central defender, as well as his defensive partner.
As the world’s best in his position, the superlatives are never ending for the all-time great, with a monstrous ability to clear his lines against even the tensest of moments. With powerful running and frequent crossing (by Unai Emery’s men) attempting to penetrate the goal of the hosts, the twin towers of Anfield, Virgil, and Ibou, repelled all that came their way, especially in a tentative second half.
In a season where multiple names of the supposed best in class are being spoken (by rival fans) across the English top tier, there can be no other name above that of the 6ft 4inch leader of men, VVD.
Despite his advancing years, this display merely epitomized the world class level he is delivering for his new head coach, Arne Slot. It must be noted that Ibrahima Konaté was also exceptional this evening, with his combative attitude making him equally vital to this remarkable success story on Merseyside.
Steven Smith’s Pre-match Prediction:
Liverpool 3-0 Aston Villa
