3 things we learned from Liverpool's crucial win over Aston Villa

Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from Rush The Kop or go back to LFC Live.

The decision clearly paid off.In fact, all nine title winners not only started but played the full 90 minutes; Liverpool’s lone substitution came when Hugo Ekitike made way for fellow newcomer Florian Wirtz—further emphasizing just how much Slot relied on his 2024–25 champions to see the match through to the end.From the front three to the back four, the squad’s familiarity and cohesion shone through in a dominant performance from start to finish. Szoboszlai’s creativity (leading the team with three chances created), Mac Allister’s relentless energy, and Gravenberch’s defensive presence were all on full display against the Villains; watching all three thrive brought back memories of last season’s remarkable campaign.Naturally, the flip side is that Slot will still be under pressure to find ways to get his high-profile new signings firing.

Ryan Gravenberch’s return is just what the team neededLiverpool’s last clean sheet before Saturday came on September 14 against struggling Burnley, and it hardly seems coincidental that the Reds kept a strong opponent goalless for the first time in nearly six weeks on the very day Ryan Gravenberch returned from injury.With the Dutchman back in the fold, Liverpool’s defense produced its best performance in recent memory. 6 registered three successful tackles, four interceptions, and won six of eight duels against Villa, underlining just how crucial he is in disrupting the opposition’s attacks.And if his already well-regarded defensive ability wasn’t enough, the Dutchman also delivered the ever-important second goal Liverpool desperately needed, bringing his season tally to three.

It’s truly been a pleasant surprise to see him find the net so often this campaign after failing to score in 2024–25.Liverpool v Aston Villa - Premier League | Carl Recine/GettyImagesWhat’s even more encouraging is that Gravenberch hasn’t just scored inconsequential goals—every time he’s found the net, it’s proved decisive. His strikes against Newcastle (a 3-2 nail-biter), Everton (a tight 2-1 Derby win), and now Villa, have all contributed directly to victories, highlighting his knack for turning games in Liverpool’s favor.Combining a key role in keeping a clean sheet with scoring a big goal makes him, in my view, more than deserving of Man of the Match honors.