Football News: Liverpool v Aston Villa - A Very Quick Liverpool Perspective

Liverpool v Aston Villa A Liverpool Perspective

A return to very much what worked last season produced a similar result to the ones Slot was getting all last season, a fairly routine victory. Is that proof that Slot just needs to return to playing that way and give up on his new approach? Hard to say, especially as Villa very much played into Liverpool's hands by trying to play out from the back and making it possible to apply a high press. It certainly does feel like Slot just tried to change too much, with so many changes to the playing staff, perhaps it would have been better to just start off playing like the vast majority are used to and then gradually begin to introduce the new style over the course of the season.

The big question now is whether or not Liverpool have turned the corner or if this is just another false dawn like the Eintracht Frankfurt game? Both teams played right into the hands of the Reds and suffered for it, but how many other teams this season will do the same?

Aston Villa

I was very surprised at Villa's chosen approach, I know they were on a good run, but I would have expected Emery to make some tweaks to the set up to get at Liverpool. You have Robertson, who is clearly a step short of what he used to be, and struggles to deal with balls in behind, but Villa failed to use the space behind him at all. They did play some good stuff at times, when breaking the press, but it was few and far between. When it did work, that was when they created their chances, but they really should have looked to mix it up more rather than playing into Liverpool's hands. Emery has his style of play and he sticks to it, which is fine most of the time, but he needs to look to get some pace in wide areas against teams like Liverpool and use the longer ball over the top for that pace to run onto.

They were very disappointing, passing it around at the back but without enough pace most of the time and so playing themselves into trouble. I know some are calling Martinez's mistake a bit of luck, either good for Liverpool or bad for Villa, but it was hard work by the team closing down the options and putting him under pressure that caused it. Martinez suffers from arrogance, thinking he is better than he is, which often leads to mistakes when he is pressured. That is not luck, that is a weakness in his game that was exploited. However, it was also a mistake by the players around him to keep passing it around slowly and roll it back to him, increasing the chance of a mistake like that happening.

Liverpool

Mamadarshvili - had very little to do, the only real shot on target was at a comfortable height and very close to him, so there is no judgement that can be made on his performance, other than he did nothing wrong.

Bradley - he grew into the game as it went on, having a much better second half than first as his confidence grew playing a way he understood. There were times that he, Szoboszlai and Salah linked up very well down the right and it was clear that returning back to a set up he understood particularly helped him. One thing that is always in his favour is work rate, but it was particularly evident in this match when he sprinted back after losing the ball to challenge for it back. It is always good to see a player run as hard back towards his own goal as he does when getting forward. Far too many (just look at Djed Spence's performance for Tottenham Hotspur against Chelsea over the weekend) barely put in any effort defensively, while busting a gut to get forward for the chance of a bit of glory.

Konate - a much better performance from the French defender, who finally looked like he remembered which team he was playing for this season and attempted to hit teammates with passes and headers, rather than opposition players. He has been comically bad this season, but this was a good, solid performance from him.

van Dijk - the captain also stepped up his game against Villa, which does lead me to believe that a lot of the problems have stemmed from the change in tactics for this season leaving the defence exposed. The attack and midfield were able to press and so relieved a lot of the pressure on the defence.

Robertson - while still showing signs of not having the pace he had, he looked a lot better with a return to tactics he was comfortable with and up against opponents who tried to be muscular, rather than looking to use pace up against him.

Mac Allister - finally looked like he was on the same planet as the other players, rather than one with a gravity many times that of earth, dragging him down and slowing him up. Not a particularly good game, even if you exclude the cringeworthy play-acting after Onana pushed him by the throat, but also not a bad game, so much better than the rest of the season.

Gravenberch - while this was not a game at the levels he can hit, he had a good solid game and was key to Liverpool's set up tactically. His ability to receive the ball and turn out of trouble is extremely important to the way of playing.

Szoboszlai - best player on the pitch, popping up just about everywhere. He is having an excellent season and this performance was one of his better for the season. He does so much for the team, from breaking up play to leading the press and linked up really well with Salah and Bradley down the right.

Salah - a much improved performance, he roasted Digne time and time again. He is so strong and able to take the ball in under immense physical pressure (usually while being blatantly fouled) in game after game, but this game saw him also beating Digne and getting away from him.

Gakpo - not at his best, but still part of a much better overall team performance.

Ekitike - the one new signing who has stood out as being good right from his first appearance, once again he was causing the opposition defence problems. He is good in the press and works hard for the team, as well as being a genuine goal threat.

Wirtz - replaced Ekitike in the 77th minute. Still looks to be finding his feet and playing out of position once again was not really helpful for him.

Written by Tris Burke November 04 2025 13:49:21