Merseyside | Liverpool end Premier League losing streak

Liverpool 2 - 0 Aston Villa

Mohamed Salah marked his 250th goal for Liverpool as the champions ended their four-game Premier League losing run with a deserved win over Aston Villa.

Author | William G

Stadium | Anfield

The 33-year-old Egyptian was handed the simplest of chances on the stroke of half-time, pouncing on Emiliano Martínez’s poor clearance to slot into an empty net.

Ryan Gravenberch, returning after an ankle injury, added a second shortly before the hour. The Dutch midfielder’s 20-yard strike took a deflection off Pau Torres, leaving Martínez helpless as it nestled into the corner.

Salah’s milestone places him alongside Ian Rush and Roger Hunt as only the third player in Liverpool’s history to reach 250 goals in all competitions. Rush remains the club’s all-time leading scorer with 346 goals, while Hunt netted 285 between the 1950s and 1960s.

Villa, chasing a fifth straight league win after a slow start to the season, were unfortunate not to take an early lead. Morgan Rogers struck the post with a curling effort inside five minutes, and Matty Cash later saw his deflected shot tipped on to the bar by Giorgi Mamardashvili.

Liverpool’s victory, their first in the league since beating Everton on 20 September, lifted them to third in the table, seven points adrift of leaders Arsenal.

Best fan reaction

After the match, we spoke with several fans who were delighted with the return to winning ways and the performance that went with it.

Evan: Much better from the Reds, with greater energy and improved organisation at the back.

Janet: The new players need to be brought in gradually so that changes can be managed properly. Resting Milos Kerkez was the right call; he needs time to adjust, not constant pressure every week. The real tests are still to come. Arne Slot is not a failure, but the past month has certainly challenged his leadership. The Slot project looks promising, though it may take a little more time to fully develop.

Gaz: A more disciplined and structured display from Liverpool, helped by a stable midfield trio. Villa created their own problems, and neither Real Madrid nor Manchester City will be so accommodating. Hugo Ekitike continues to impress, and Mohamed Salah’s goal should give him a boost. Andy Robertson should remain first choice at left-back.

Darren: Liverpool returned to basics, pressing higher and showing more intent with the ball. Dominik Szoboszlai was excellent and Conor Bradley’s desire to win possession showed why he deserves a regular place. Small adjustments bring big results, and Slot’s decision to stick largely with last season’s formula, apart from Ekitike and Giorgi Mamardashvili, paid off. A strong performance overall.

David: That was Liverpool’s best showing of the season. The difference was control, as we dominated for long periods, something we have not managed often this year. Frankfurt was good, but they allowed us space. Here, we had to earn it.