Liverpool avoid Aston Villa fightback to take third win in a row
Jürgen Klopp had won all four of his previous PL games on Boxing Day with an aggregate score of 14-0, and the Reds had more reason for Christmas cheer as they raced into an early lead.
Trent Alexander-Arnold produced an extraordinary outside of the boot cross to fellow full-back Andy Robertson, who perfectly slotted in Mohamed Salah at the back post for a tap-in.
That was the 54th assist that Robertson has managed in the PL, more than any other defender in the competition’s history.
Perhaps typical of their season to date, the visitors struggled to control the contest having taken the lead and chances followed at both ends.
Ollie Watkins forced Alisson into a smart save from a diving header, while Darwin Núñez rifled a volley straight at Robin Olsen on the counter.
It was consistently Liverpool who looked more dangerous though, and their lead was doubled before the interval through Virgil van Dijk, who coolly slotted home inside the area after Villa failed to clear a corner.
A pause for HT failed to derail the incredible pace of this contest as opportunities continued to present themselves at both ends, with John McGinn and Salah both making a mess of huge chances for their respective sides at the start of the second half.
Undoubtedly it was Unai Emery’s men who had resumed the brighter, and just before the hour mark the hosts were able to reduce the arrears.
Douglas Luiz’s cross to the back post was met by the leaping Watkins to perfectly direct his header back across goal, netting for the fifth time against Liverpool.
As Villa piled on the pressure, Liverpool’s aerial dominance allowed them the chance to clear and spring on the break.
Salah slotted in Núñez, but once more the Uruguayan dragged his shot wide as the Reds’ lead remained precarious. Moments later though, a crucial three points would be sealed.
Núñez proved instrumental as his cross was parried by Olsen, straight into the path of Stefan Bajcetic to coolly round a defender and slot through Tyrone Mings’ legs to score his first senior goal.
Liverpool moved within five points of the top four with a game in hand, as they denied Emery a third consecutive league win as Villa manager.
