By Steve Northover

After a turgid October, Liverpool welcomed November by taking three points against Aston Villa, in a morale boosting,  if not perfect  win at Anfield. 

Liverpool started the match with the same nervous uncertainty that has been a feature of recent performances. Passes weren't completed, the defence looked pedestrian, and the stadium was quiet - culminating in Aston Villa’s Morgan Roger’s 20-yard curling shot, thankfully thundering off the post.  From then on, the Reds began to grow into the game whilst being roared on from the stands.

The breakthrough appeared to have been made with Hugo Ekitike’s header hitting the back of the net, before being ruled as offside. Although disappointing, it gave Liverpool the impetus to push on, with Mo Salah  eventually scoring his 250th goal for Liverpool in injury time at the end of the first half. The goal, instigated by a lax pass from goalkeeper Emi Martinez, was Salah’s first in the league since August and he celebrated by pointing to the sky, in a possible reference to Diogo Jota, and a probable explanation of his own issues over recent weeks. 

Liverpool’s confidence continued into the second half, limiting Villa to a series of pot shots and snatched chances. At the other end, Liverpool continued to prod and pry, with the team largely encamped within the opposition half. 

When the second goal came through deflected shot from outside the area from a returning Ryan Gravenberch, the game settled into a rhythm of attack versus defence,  Although Liverpool weren't able to score again, they were able to keep Aston Villa at arms length for the remainder of the 90 minutes.

A Much More Settled Performance

It's telling perhaps that Arne Slot reverted to largely the same lineup that had won the league last season. Eight of the starting Eleven started against Tottenham Hotspur during the title confirming match in April last season. Passes were crisper, the defence more solid, and the attack more fluid. Van Dijk seemed more relaxed at the back, not having to guide Kerkez through the game. 

Meanwhile, Dominik Szoboszlai, playing further forward against Villa, was able to have greater influence on attacking play, often playing a central role in Liverpool’s attempts on goal. His marauding Gerrard-esque forward runs made him difficult to be picked up by defenders and may well be he will be used tactically from now on.

Aside from his goal, having Ryan Gravenberch back in midfield also gives the defence the kind of support that has been sorely missed over the recent weeks. 

Whilst the performance wasn't perfect, if Villa had taken their early chances, the result would have been completely different. There are sterner tests to come. But this was the performance of a team seemingly trying to turn a corner. Perhaps with the already established players starting to pick up form again, the pressure will be taken from the newer players to perform. 

Liverpool play Real Madrid next on Tuesday at Anfield before visiting Manchester City at the Etihad on Sunday.  Expect a much tougher test in those games, but given the performance yesterday it does feel like Liverpool may have finally turned a corner.