Salah’s Key Goal Helps Liverpool Overcome Aston Villa
Beth Lindop Nov 1, 2025, 07:40 PM ET
LIVERPOOL — The enthusiasm from the Anfield crowd was palpable as Liverpool took on Aston Villa, with supporters chanting the name of head coach Arne Slot amid pressure following a rough run of form that saw the team suffer six defeats in seven outings across competitions.
This momentum carried into the second half, particularly after Ryan Gravenberch scored to extend Liverpool’s lead as they secured a 2-0 victory. This match marked Liverpool’s first Premier League win since September 20, ending a challenging period for the team.
Aston Villa posed a risk, but Liverpool sought to avert the embarrassment of losing five consecutive league matches for the first time since the 1953-54 season. Goals from Mohamed Salah and Gravenberch ensured the champions sidestepped such a fate, beginning what could be a pivotal week for the squad. After playing three of their last four matches away from home, the opportunity to perform in front of their own fans provided the Reds with renewed hope.
The fan response was enthusiastic, particularly when Dominik Szoboszlai demonstrated determination to win a throw-in, earning applause from across the stadium. However, Szoboszlai squandered an early chance to put Liverpool ahead, managing to shoot directly at Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez after intercepting the ball from Pau Torres. Both Salah and Ibrahima Konaté similarly missed early scoring opportunities.
Aston Villa also threatened and almost took the lead, with Morgan Rogers hitting the post and Matty Cash forcing a great save from Giorgi Mamardashvili. Near the end of the first half, a disallowed header from Hugo Ekitike hinted that luck might not favor Liverpool on this night.
However, a critical mistake from Martínez allowed Salah to score right before the halftime whistle, marking his 250th goal for the club. While this particular finish might not have been his most spectacular, it was a significant moment after a tough start to the season.
Salah’s goal tally now ties him with Wayne Rooney for the highest goal involvements at a single club in Premier League history, and his resurgence in form could be vital for Liverpool as they seek to build on this win.
Despite the victory, Liverpool must improve if they aim to compete for silverware this season. The team displayed moments of hesitation and missed opportunities in the second half, even though Gravenberch’s second goal, which came off a deflection, secured a comfortable lead. This match wasn’t the most exhilarating performance, but it showed that stability and control can also lead to success.
After the match, Slot expressed appreciation for the unwavering fan support, especially during challenging times. “It’s special, especially when you’re in a tough situation,” he noted. The win against Villa also marked Slot’s milestone of accumulating 100 Premier League points in just 48 matches, a feat only previously achieved by the legendary Kenny Dalglish in the 1980s.
Upcoming challenges await Liverpool with LALIGA leaders Real Madrid set to visit Anfield for the UEFA Champions League and a tough clash against Manchester City on the horizon. Last season, Liverpool managed to defeat this same trio of opponents without conceding a goal. Achieving similar results this time will be a significant challenge, but triumphing over Villa was an essential first step toward a meaningful recovery for the team.
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