Saturday, September 2, 2023: Mohamed Salah (R) of Liverpool celebrates scoring the third goal during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Aston Villa FC at Anfield. Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Premier League (4), Anfield
3 September 2023
Goals: Szoboszlai 3′, Cash (OG) 22′, Salah 55′
Alisson (out of 10) – 8
Good goalkeepers make four out of six saves per game, but the best keep one.
Did it again here when he stopped a bullet in the bumper early in the second half – his placement looked like an easy save, but few goalkeepers get into the right starting position as reliably as he does.
Liverpool, who were less used today, instead played a 4-2-4 formation with all the backs, but were comfortable on the ball when called upon.
Trent Alexander-Arnold – 9
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – Saturday 2 September 2023: Liverpool captain Trent Alexander-Arnold poses before the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Aston Villa FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Walking into Anfield as Reds captain for the first time and looking up to the task.
Liverpool’s form saw him move from right wing to almost right wing centre-back and he was allowed to drop into midfield.
He played wonderful progressive passes to try and exploit Villa’s high line, grabbed an assist in the opener and started the second set, although some of his long shots were timid.
Lame after a sudden challenge – hopefully as a precaution.
Joel Matip – 7
The actual right-back looked out of shape against the pace of Villa’s front line, but dominated strongly and played his part in a deserved clean sheet. Missed a great chance to make it 2-0 but it was great to see him carry the aerial threat in the absence of Van Dijk and Konate.
Joe Gomez – 8
He summed up one point of the game in the first half: perfect starting position, great anticipation to read the counter attack, quick pace to receive the ball…then slid and shot into Villa’s goal.
Showed plenty why he remains in the team, if not a first-choice starter, including some impressive outings at right-back after Alexander-Arnold was dropped.
Andy Robertson – 7
Looked more comfortable playing on the left wing than left centre-back as Liverpool defended with four threes in the back row.
A nice corner kick for the third goal and finished the game as a skipper. Alexis McAllister – 8
Did so many little things well, like moving into space to get the ball instead of asking for it at his feet.
He often dropped deep to help hold up and possess the ball but was not an overwhelming No. 6, working with Alexander-Arnold to get into a pivotal position.
As a result, it looked more beautiful.
Dominik Szoboszlai – 9 (Man of the Match)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – Saturday 2 September 2023: Dominik Szoboszlai of Liverpool celebrates scoring the first goal during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Aston Villa FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
He is a waist!
He put an absolute world player up front – seriously, the technique is world class, even on his weak leg – and constantly joined the forward in attack. Nice crosses from wide and flat points and he allowed Salah to get into dangerous central areas.
We finally added goals from midfield!
Curtis Jones – 7
The team sheet appeared to be number 6, but was actually used in his preferred left back number 8 position.
Able to spread out as a result, allowing Diaz to get into the more dangerous midfield areas and pass consistently.
Returning to the starting lineup, there is no leg injury.
Mohamed Salah – 8
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – Saturday 2 September 2023: Mohamed Salah of Liverpool during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Aston Villa FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Scored a good poacher and could have had a great pass to Nunez in the second half.
He has stepped up his holding game since this season,
making him perfect against Villa’s high defensive line.
Could have been quicker with his last ball or shot a few times in the second half.
Luis Diaz – 8
He kept trying to be more central and decisive, but he could not get into the score.
Jones’ wide positions at the back allowed him to play one-on-one with the defender more often, but the final pass was not entirely in hand. Would have scored on the second day.
Darwin Nunez – 8
What a player he is! Lots of entertainment.
His high pressing is technically bad, but it led to a corner for the first goal. He should have scored another but it hit the post and Matty Cash went on to score.
He missed a potential third but then fed Salah for 3-0 – they certainly have a good link and some of their links were excellent. Substitutes
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – Saturday 2 September 2023: Jarell Quansah of Liverpool during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Aston Villa FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Harvey Elliot (Jones, 64′) – 7
Full of beans and seemed determined to make an impact. It took one good try.
Diogo Jota (Diaz, 64′) – 6
Didn’t really impress as Villa looked to limit the damage and deny the Liverpool striker space.
Cody Gakpo (for Nunez, 64′) – 7
Immediately offered more security and connection than Núnez, but no striking offense. No problem if you are 3-0 up.
Jarell Quansah (Alexander-Arnold, 74′) – 7
The Reds were watching the game at that stage, so it was the perfect time for a home debut.
Wataru Endo (on for Mac Allister, 87′) – absent
Debut in the supporting role of James Milner, where he is perhaps best used.
Not used: Kelleher, Tsimikas, Bajcetic, Doak
Jurgen Klopp 9
Saturday 2 September 2023: Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Aston Villa FC
