Virgil van Dijk was the only standout Liverpool player. (Image: Getty)
Liverpool endured another dismal defeat as they were hammered 4-2 at Aston Villa in the Premier League on Friday evening. Virgil van Dijk’s brace proved futile as Ollie Watkins bagged a brace, with Morgan Rogers and John McGinn also on target as the hosts secured their Champions League berth for next season.
The outcome means Arne Slot’s side still have ground to cover to join the Midlands club and will almost certainly need to overcome Brentford at home on the final day a week on Sunday. Here, we assess the displays of the Liverpool players.
Failed to handle the ball confidently on one venture outside his area in the first half but produced fine stops to thwart Watkins. Unfortunate for the third goal but this wasn’t his evening.
Not always the most assured in possession and a few awkward moments at the back. Cautioned and substituted.
Kept alert by Villa’s dynamic attack early on before settling into the contest and the physicality demanded in the second half as Liverpool gambled at the rear before being part of the late capitulation.
Lost track of Watkins for an early Villa opportunity but otherwise defended proactively and his aerial dominance was evident, most notably with his two goals.
Sought to forge an understanding with Ngumoha down the left and showed plenty of determination, with one excellent tackle denying a certain Villa goal. Had considerable work to do late on and might have closed down McGinn more effectively for the fourth.
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Positioned considerably deeper than his fellow Liverpool midfielders in a bid to shield the back four, had one effort parried before fading from proceedings. Substituted.
Nominally deployed on the right flank but frequently drifted across the pitch, where his ability to retain and distribute the ball proved useful. Shifted to right-back in the closing stages but was too often absent when needed.
Virgil van Dijk reacts to a missed chance. (Image: Getty Images)
Perhaps guilty of overreaching himself on occasion, though he did draw a fine stop from Martinez from distance. Set up both Van Dijk goals but a costly slip that allowed Villa to retake the lead proved to be the turning point of the match.
Sluggish in his reactions during the opening exchanges before growing into the game somewhat ahead of the break, glancing a header wide. Appeared more preoccupied with irritating Villa players towards the end rather than contributing anything constructive.
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Gradually got the better of Cash down Liverpool’s left flank, causing real headaches with his ability to glide past opponents and cut inside. Hit the woodwork and will have gained enormously from the full 90 minutes.
Left to toil largely in isolation throughout much of the first half with little quality supply, and his influence waned further after the break. Substituted.
Federico Chiesa (for Gomez 66) 4
Gave away an early foul and looked well off the pace throughout.
Florian Wirtz (for Gravenberch 66) 5
Ran about a little bit, so should be fit for next week.
Mohamed Salah (for Gakpo 74) 4
Hard pressed to recall a single meaningful contribution.
