Aston Villa gave title-chasing Liverpool, and Jon Moss a scare at Villa Park, but it was Liverpool who kept their quadruple aspirations alive with a 1-2 victory.
Douglas Luiz opened the scoring after 3 minutes to electrify a charged atmosphere inside Villa Park, only for Joel Matip to dampen the volume with an equaliser 3-minutes later.
Villa continued to show belief in their play and backed by the Villa faithful continued to make life difficult for the visitors, but a Sadio Mane strike on the 65th minute sealed the 3 points for Jurgen Klopp’s quadruple chasing Liverpool.
Aston Villa starting line-up
Formation 4-3-1-2
Emi Martinez – 6
Rating contribution from Hannah Gowen
Really didnβt have much to do, despite Liverpoolβs attempts.
The quickly conceded first goal couldβve been cleared by multiple bodies, including Martinez. Couldnβt do much for the second.
Distribution not great at times.
Matty Cash – 6.5
Rating contribution from Gary Plaza
Superb first half from Cash. Always offers something going forwards as well as his top defensive display. Towards the end of the first half Liverpool was finding space out on both flanks but it was dealt with well.
The second half was much the same although caught out of position when a quick Liverpool turnover resulted in the second goal.
Ezri Konsa – 6
Rating contribution from Ivan McDouall
Started again ahead of Chambers and largely justified that choice. Has an arrogance about him that can sometimes work both ways – needlessly pushing Jota with two hands in the first half when heβs defended the situation pretty well.
Whatever is going on with decisions around playing out from the back needs to be sorted – Konsa, Mings and Martinez regular seemed mixed up.
Tyrone Mings – 5
Rating contribution from Gary Plaza
Captain Marvel vs Burnley turned to Captain Awful tonight.
If we want to push on then we need 2 new CBs. Was it a mistake for their opener? Or was it unlucky? In my opinion it was a bit of both, unlucky to get stuck under his foot but as a PL player and England International I expect better.
The Mane goal was poor again from Mings standing off Diaz and allowing the cross. We can’t keep having colossal performances against poorer teams and ones to forget against anyone decent!
Lucas Digne – 7
Rating contribution from Hannah Gowen
Another solid performance in a Villa shirt. Feel like he did really well going forward and made a few really nice crosses into the box.
Defensively also pretty sound. Definitely growing into games now!
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Marvelous Nakamba – 6
Rating contribution from Ivan McDouall
Third different player to start at 6 in the past three games, although, good to see him get back in the starting XI.
Unfortunately, he regularly looked like someone who hadnβt played much for some time, which of course he hasnβt. This was often shown when winning the ball back assuredly and then quickly giving the ball away.
Unable to tidy up Mingsβ mess for the first goal.
*Douglas Luiz – 8
Rating contribution from Ryan Mckeown
Retained in his favoured number ‘8’ role Douglas Luiz opened the scoring on 3-minutes, following up his headed effort to slam home after Allison could only parry the initial attempt.
That’s appearance 100 for the South American in the Premier League for Aston Villa, will he be offered a new deal, does he want to prolong his stay, we just don’t know, but with the experience of those games, at the age of 23, and a very capable player when played in his natural role, I think we’d be crazy to let him leave.
John McGinn – 6
Rating contribution from Ryan Mckeown
Another trademark performance from SJM, harassing the Liverpool midfield and setting the tempo.
Swung a gorgeous ball into the 6-yard box for Ings, who failed to convert.
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Danny Ings – 8
Rating contribution from Gary Plaza
What I like with Ings is his work rate for the team. Put him anywhere on the pitch and he will play his heart out.
Great effort for very little reward first half but his second half was superb. He was everywhere on the pitch but certainly should’ve done better when put through on goal by Ollie. I’d love to see him start as a lone 9 vs Palace on Sunday after tonight’s outing.
Phillipe Coutinho – 6
Rating contribution from Hannah Gowen
First half I think Coutinho really grew into play. Did really well not only on the ball but also did well in nicking the ball off the likes of Matip.
Had a fine moment of skill when he flicked the ball on the touch line and then struck from outside the box, but the shot went wide. Faded in the second half.
Ollie Watkins – 8
Rating contribution from Ivan McDouall
Carried on where he left off at Burnley. A genuine problem for the Liverpool backline from the opening minute. So often the only outlet for Villa and continued to work hard. Luizβs goal is a prime example where the defence was too preoccupied with the nuisance value of Watkins that Luiz was able to capitalise.
Wonderful through ball for Ings which should have led to an equaliser. Will be disappointed he didnβt make it 3-in-3 himself although chances were limited. Seemed to go off injured, possibly a victim of Jon Mossβ terrible performance!
Substitutions
Carney Chukwuemeka – 6.5
on for Nakamba, 61 minutes – Lively and keen to show for the ball. Has a poise and grace about him which underlines why heβs not short of suitors.
Possibly sold Dougie short in the move that led to Maneβs winner. Desperately unlucky not to latch onto rebound after great work from Ings late in second half. Pleasing to see him involved even if contract situation not resolved.
Emi Buendia – 5
on for Coutinho, 70 minutes – Unfortunate to be rotated after a good performance against Burnley, headed over late on.
Bertrand Traore – N/A
on for Watkins, 81 minutes – Little or no time to make any impact in what could well be final appearance in claret and blue.
Subs not used | Robin Olsen, Morgan Sanson, Calum Chambers, Ashley Young, Ben Chrisene, Tim Iroegbunam
Goals
Aston Villa | Douglas Luiz (3)
Liverpool | Matip (6), Mane (65)
Opposition
Match official
Referee: Jonathan Moss (Liverpool). Assistants: Lee Betts, Timothy Wood. Fourth official: Andy Madley. VAR: John Brooks. Assistant VAR: James Mainwaring
THE BOSS
UP NEXT FOR ASTON VILLA
Crystal Palace (H) | Sunday 15th May 2022 | 14:00
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