Raucous Anfield crowd backs Slot as Liverpool returns to form

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Liverpool ended a dismal run of form with a 2-0 victory over Aston Villa at Anfield, reigniting hopes for their Premier League campaign. The win, Liverpool's first in the league since September 20, came after four consecutive defeats and six losses in seven matches across all competitions, which had put manager Arne Slot under significant pressure.

The breakthrough came just before half-time when Mohamed Salah scored his 250th goal for the club, capitalizing on a major error by Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez. The mistake gifted Salah an open net, and the Egyptian became only the third player in Liverpool's history to reach the 250-goal mark, joining Ian Rush and Roger Hunt. The landmark goal was a crucial moment for both Salah and the team, providing a much-needed boost to morale.

Liverpool doubled their lead in the 58th minute through Ryan Gravenberch, who returned from injury to score with a deflected shot that wrong-footed Martínez. The goal effectively killed off the game, as Villa were unable to mount a comeback despite hitting the post twice in the opening 20 minutes.

The Anfield crowd played a pivotal role, offering unwavering support throughout the match. Their backing was especially significant given the club's recent struggles, and manager Arne Slot praised the fans for their encouragement during a difficult period. The victory not only eased the pressure on Slot but also marked Liverpool's first clean sheet in 11 matches.

With this win, Liverpool showed signs of returning to the form that brought them Premier League glory last season. The result provided a timely boost ahead of their upcoming Champions League clash with Real Madrid, as the team looks to build momentum and climb back up the table.