Mohamed Salah set up Liverpool’s opening goal for Darwin Nunez against Aston Villa and put the result beyond doubt with a brilliant individual effort late in the match at Anfield.

The 2-0 win gives Liverpool a five-point lead at the top of the Premier League going into the international break. Manchester City lost 2-1 to Brighton & Hove Albion earlier on Saturday.

Nunez put Arne Slot’s side ahead from a tight angle in the 20th minute, and from another counter-attack Salah scored his eighth goal in his last ten games against Villa.

An injury to Trent Alexander-Arnold, who was forced off in the first half, will be the only concern for Liverpool fans.

Gregg Evans analyzes Anfield’s key talking points…

Liverpool have the momentum on their side

It was a dream start for Slot, whose side is going from strength to strength as Manchester City slip further away.

City have lost four games in a row, while Liverpool have won four in a row. When Liverpool were under pressure to take advantage, they struck without showing any fear.

One of only two Premier League teams, alongside Newcastle United, not to drop a point in a winning position this season, Liverpool rarely look nervous under Slot and have an answer for whatever comes their way.

They have recorded 15 wins from 17 matches in all competitions and show no signs of slowing down.

Kelleher comes forward again with important saves

Caoimhin Kelleher has been level with Alisson in terms of appearances for Liverpool this season – and what an impact the Republic of Ireland goalkeeper has made.

In his eight starts in all competitions, Liverpool have won seven and drawn one. In the first half against Villa, Kelleher was alert to make two excellent saves in quick succession from Amadou Onana and Diego Carlos, as two incoming corners caused Liverpool problems.

Kelleher has kept four clean sheets in eight games this season (Peter Byrne/PA Images via Getty Images)

The biggest compliment you can give Kelleher is that Liverpool have not missed Alisson and his form is so good that Slot will face a selection dilemma if the number 1 returns.

Kelleher also performed well in midweek, making a couple of important saves late in the break to keep a clean sheet against Bayer Leverkusen.

His mission is to become an undisputed first-choice goalkeeper, both at Anfield and elsewhere, and his recent performances are not doing his reputation any harm. The problem is that it’s not just Alisson who’s standing in his way at Liverpool. Giorgi Mamardashvili will join from Valencia at the end of the season, adding a new layer to an already complex challenge.

Nunez’s goal felt like a return from Klopp

Organized chaos was the style of play Liverpool moved away from, but that was the only way to describe the events that led to the first goal.

Villa tried to hit a corner towards the front post – hoping for an attack – but the ball fell on the edge of the area where Salah and Luiz Diaz combined to get to the ball first. When it fell to Virgil van Dijk, he immediately tried to release Salah, who had already started his run.

Outpacing Leon Bailey, who formed the last line of defence, Salah charged forward before tumbling under Bailey’s challenge, but there was Nunez to convert from a tight angle to send Anfield into wild celebration.

Nunez scores the opener against Villa (James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images)

The goal was reminiscent of life under Jurgen Klopp, when Liverpool were able to turn defense into attack with such speed, and so was the second goal, with Salah breaking forward from his own half to seal victory in the 84th minute. sealed.

Injury care for Alexander-Arnold

The injury to Alexander-Arnold, who was forced off after just 25 minutes, adds to Liverpool’s growing list.

Alexander-Arnold faced a difficult opening period as he met Jacob Ramsey’s direct run, then fell to the ground complaining of a problem after his side had taken the lead.

Alexander-Arnold was substituted in the first half (Carl Recine/Getty Images)

Alexander-Arnold has featured in all of Liverpool’s Premier League and Champions League games this season (Van Dijk, Ryan Gravenberch and Salah are the others) and has quickly earned Slot’s trust.

Liverpool are already without Alisson and striker Diogo Jota.

What did Arne Slot say?

We’ll bring this to you after he speaks at the post-match press conference.

What next for Liverpool?

Sunday November 24: Southampton (A), Premier League, 2pm GMT, 9am ET

Recommended reading