Liverpool capitalized on Manchester City’s stumble in the Premier League title race with a crucial win over Aston Villa, extending their lead at the top to five points.
Just as the Anfield clash kicked off, news came through that reigning champions City had been defeated 2-1 by Brighton. This result left Liverpool in a prime position to widen the gap with a victory before the international break.
Darwin Nunez opened the scoring in the 20th minute, pouncing on a loose ball after Mohamed Salah was tangled up with Leon Bailey during a swift counter-attack, and firing past Emi Martinez. Nunez had a chance to double his tally soon after on another break but sent his shot over the bar.
Liverpool’s missed opportunities nearly cost them as Villa launched a few dangerous attacks, with Caoimhin Kelleher making two excellent saves to deny Amadou Onana and Diego Carlos just before halftime.
Seconds after the break, Morgan Rogers missed a clear chance for Villa, narrowly missing the far post. A tense second half followed, with Villa manager Unai Emery frustrated by a penalty appeal that went unanswered after a VAR review of Conor Bradley’s shirt tug on Pau Torres.
With six minutes left, Salah sealed the victory, racing into the box and slotting the ball home at the near post, marking his fourth consecutive league game with a goal. The win marked Liverpool’s ninth in 11 league matches and their 15th in 17 games since Arne Slot’s appointment in the summer, while Villa remain in eighth place.
SOURCE: BBC
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