Salah and Gravenberch secure welcome win for Liverpool against Aston Villa

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

A terrible mistake by Martínez presented Mohamed Salah with his 250th Liverpool goal before more poor Villa defending enabled Ryan Gravenberch to double the hosts’ advantage early in the second half. He escaped on that occasion when the recalled left-back’s shot looped off Pau Torres and landed in his arms.

The home keeper also saved from Rogers when Villa’s patient approach again found space behind the Liverpool midfield.Ryan Gravenberch fires home Liverpool’s second goal in the 58th minute. Photograph: Jan Kruger/Getty ImagesHugo Ekitiké had been anonymous at the head of Liverpool’s attack but, like all good strikers, made his first meaningful contribution count when heading Szoboszlai’s beautiful cross inside Martínez’s bottom corner.

The reward for Salah’s improved display was his 250th goal in a Liverpool shirt.To Unai Emery’s despair and Slot’s unbridled joy, the Villa defence were not done with dangerous over-elaboration and presenting Liverpool with opportunity. Liverpool worked the ball to Gravenberch in space and the influential midfielder let fly from 20 yards with a shot that took a touch off both Ezri Konsa and Torres before beating the wrongfooted Villa keeper.Slot’s reaction, indeed the reaction of the Liverpool team and support, encapsulated the release of pressure.