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Liverpool Make Emphatic Statement to Halt Losing Run
Jeff Blake-Imagn Images

Liverpool needed to return to winning ways after serious questions were being asked in the wake of the club dropping six of seven matches across all competitions.

With the Reds starting to fade from the Premier League title race, the club needed to make a clear statement of intent to quiet all the noise surrounding Anfield.

On Saturday, the Reds responded in style with a 2-0 home victory against Aston Villa. Liverpool looked confident, fast on the ball, and quick in their decision-making.

It was a performance that could have been mistaken for a standout showing from last season’s Premier League title-winning campaign. The Reds outshot the Villans, 16-9, and completed 375 passes compared to Aston Villa’s 259.

Following the victory, Liverpool moved into third place in the Premier League standings with 18 points gained through 10 matches. The Merseyside club is even on points with second-place Bournemouth, who have a game in hand and travel to Manchester City on Sunday.

Liverpool needed their main man to step up, and star forward Mohamed Salah put in a vintage display.

Salah’s underperformance had symbolized Liverpool’s poor start to the 2025-26 campaign. He looked revitalized after being rested for Wednesday's 3-0 Carabao Cup exit to Crystal Palace.

Head coach Arne Slot had come under pressure for Liverpool’s dip in form, and fans began questioning his team selections. It wasn’t long into Saturday’s match that The Kop was bouncing and singing his name.

Slot’s decision to rotate his squad paid off. The Reds played with an energy that was missing in recent matches. Liverpool looked hungrier, more combative and clinical.

'Egyptian King' Records 250th Liverpool Goal

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 20: Mohamed Salah of Liverpool applauds the fans during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Everton at Anfield on September 20, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)getty images

Salah pulled Liverpool ahead in added time just before halftime. Aston Villa keeper Emiliano Martinez made a horrendous blunder, gift-wrapping a pass directly to Salah's feet. The Egyptian forward neatly slotted the ball into the open net.

The goal marked Salah’s 250th goal for Liverpool in all competitions. Salah only trails club legends Ian Rush (346) and Roger Hunt (285).

Ryan Gravenberch marked his return to the lineup with a goal in the 58th minute. The 23-year-old midfielder returned to the Liverpool starting XI after recovering from an ankle injury.

Liverpool supporters will be hoping that the Reds can carry the positive momentum into Tuesday’s Champions League clash with Spanish giants Real Madrid.

There’s no let up in the league either, with Liverpool traveling to Eastlands next Sunday to square off with rivals Manchester City.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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