"LIVERPOOL ARE BELIEVING."
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) November 9, 2024
Arne Slot's side goes five points clear atop the Premier League with a 2-0 win over Aston Villa. pic.twitter.com/chkBFVGLTP
Liverpool took full advantage of Manchester City’s slip-up, securing a crucial 2-0 victory over Aston Villa to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League table to five points. The day began favorably for Liverpool when reigning champions City suffered a 2-1 defeat to Brighton, meaning a win at Anfield would allow the Reds to capitalize on their rivals’ misstep.
Darwin Nunez opened the scoring in the 20th minute after a dynamic counter-attack, reacting quickly to a loose ball when Mohamed Salah went down in a tussle with Leon Bailey. Although Nunez had a clear chance to double his tally shortly after, he narrowly missed by firing his shot over the bar.
Liverpool’s goalkeeper, Caoimhin Kelleher, preserved the lead with two outstanding saves, denying efforts from Amadou Onana and Diego Carlos. Villa’s Morgan Rogers also missed a significant opportunity just after the break, shooting wide of the far post.
A tense second half saw few clear chances, though Villa’s manager, Unai Emery, believed his side deserved a penalty for a shirt pull by Conor Bradley on Pau Torres. However, after a VAR review, no penalty was awarded.
In the 84th minute, Salah sealed the victory, breaking through the defense to score his fourth goal in as many league matches. Liverpool’s win marked their ninth in 11 Premier League games and their 15th in 17 matches under new manager Arne Slot, maintaining their strong form as Aston Villa held eighth place heading into the international break.
