Mohamed Salah’s 10th goal of the season secured Liverpool a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Aston Villa on Saturday, increasing the Reds’ cushion over Manchester City to five points.
Darwin Nunez opened the scoring in the 20th minute, capitalising on a swift counter-attack from a Villa corner. The Uruguayan forward fired past Emiliano Martinez, giving Liverpool the lead in front of a lively Anfield crowd.
Nunez nearly doubled the advantage with an identical breakaway, but his effort sailed over the bar. Aston Villa, however, refused to back down. Amadou Onana and Diego Carlos tested Caoimhin Kelleher’s reflexes with impressive shots before the interval.
Morgan Rogers squandered a prime opportunity to level the contest seconds after the break, failing to find the target. The tempo dropped in the second half as both teams sought control in an intense match.
Just as Villa threatened to equalise, Salah showcased his clinical finishing, racing clear to seal the win six minutes from time. This victory, combined with Manchester City’s shock defeat to Brighton, propels Liverpool further up the table.
Arne Slot’s side owe a debt to their stellar defenders, who kept Aston Villa at bay despite the visitors’ relentless pressure. With City stumbling, Liverpool have seized the initiative, setting up an intriguing Premier League title race.
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