Liverpool 2-0 Aston Villa: Reds Player Ratings as they extend lead at the top of the table | Premier League 2024-25

Liverpool jumped five points clear at the top of the Premier League table with a convincing 2-0 win over Aston Villa on Saturday. After 11 games, Liverpool lead with 28 points, and Manchester City are second with 23 points.

Heading into the game, Arne Slot made two changes from the side that played midweek in the Champions League. Darwin Nunez came in for Cody Gakpo, while Andy Robertson came in for Kostas Tsimikas.

Aston Villa, meanwhile, made four changes. Tyrone Mings, John McGinn, Boubacar Kamara and Ian Maatsen made way for Pau Torres, Jacob Ramsey, Amadou Onana and Lucas Digne.

A close first half saw both sides create chances. Villa came close twice with two close-range efforts but were denied by Caoimhin Kelleher. Meanwhile, Liverpool got on the scoresheet in the 20th minute. Mohamed Salah was bearing in on goal, but he was tackled. The ball fell kindly to Nunez, who rounded it past the keeper to make it 1-0.

Liverpool maintained control for most of the game, especially in the second half, as their backline proved to be a tough nut to crack for the Villa attackers. Content to play on the counter, the Reds doubled their advantage late in the game. A flowing move saw them create a numerical advantage in attack, and Salah finished coolly to put the result to bed.

Coupled with Manchester City's loss to Brighton, Liverpool now enjoy a healthy lead at the top of the table. Here are the player ratings:

Liverpool Player Ratings

Caoimhin Kelleher - 6.5/10

The Irishman came up with two splendid saves in the first half, helping Liverpool keep the clean sheet. He continues to impress in the absence of Alisson.

Trent Alexander-Arnold - 6/10

He seemed to have a good start. But he was taken off with an injury.

Ibrahima Konate - 7/10

He looked impressive in central defense, forming a strong partnership with van Dijk in what has become one of the Premier League's best defensive sides.

Virgil van Dijk - 7.5/10

Alongside completely shutting down Ollie Watkins and the Villa attackers, van Dijk displayed his great passing ability as well. He finished with 11 passes into the final third, three long balls and a pass completion rate of 96% (109/113).

Andrew Robertson - 6.5/10

He continues to be part of the rotation at left-back with Tsimikas but put in a good performance, dealing well with Leon Bailey.

Ryan Gravenberch - 6.5/10

The Dutchman continues to impress in midfield and put in a shift defensively, finishing with four interceptions, two blocks and two clearances.

Alexis Mac Allister - 6/10

Despite Liverpool's good performances, Mac Allister continues to struggle to find form. Against Villa, he couldn't show his creative best, limited to just one chance created.

Curtis Jones - 6.5/10

An energetic showing from Jones, who continues to make a case for himself to replace the underfiring Szoboszlai.

Mohamed Salah - 8/10

A great season continues to become even better for Salah as he collected a goal and assist against Unai Emery's men. With eight goals and six assists already in the league, the Egyptian has been sensational for Liverpool.

Darwin Nunez - 7/10

A typical up-and-down performance from the striker, who scored impressively but also missed another chance to add to his tally. Continues to impress with his work without the ball.

Luis Diaz - 6.5/10

Diaz continues to be a key attacker for Slot. Having been used at left-wing and centrally this season, the Colombian put in another tireless performance.

Substitutes

Conor Bradley - 6/10

Stepped in well for the injured Alexander-Arnold but could not provide his quality going forward.

Dominik Szoboszlai - 6.5/10

Szoboszlai looked dangerous for Liverpool when he came into the game for the last 15 minutes.

Cody Gakpo - 6/10

He was largely silent for the last few minutes coming on for Diaz.

Wataru Endo - N/A

He came on too late and did not play enough minutes to merit a rating.