
Liverpool secured a crucial 2-0 triumph over Aston Villa at Anfield on Saturday evening, halting their dismal four-match losing sequence in the Premier League. The victory marked the Reds’ first league success since defeating Everton on 20 September.Arne Slot’s side climbed to third position in the table, now trailing leaders Arsenal by seven points.The result simultaneously ended Villa’s impressive four-game winning streak in the competition.Mohamed Salah was gifted a goal to reach 250 for Liverpool | REUTERSUnai Emery’s visitors remain in eleventh place following the defeat. Their eleven-year wait for victory at Anfield continues, with the Midlands club now preparing for Thursday’s Europa League encounter against Maccabi Tel Aviv before hosting Bournemouth on Sunday.The match began with Villa threatening early as Morgan Rogers struck the woodwork after just five minutes.The visitors maintained their pressure when Matty Cash’s deflected effort forced an outstanding save from Giorgi Mamardashvili, who tipped the ball onto the crossbar.Dominik Szoboszlai emerged as Liverpool’s catalyst, pressing high and energising both teammates and supporters. The Hungarian midfielder squandered a golden opportunity after winning possession, firing weakly at Emiliano Martinez.Mohamed Salah broke the deadlock in first-half stoppage time, pouncing on Martinez’s misplaced pass to curl home his 250th Liverpool goal. This milestone equalled Wayne Rooney’s Premier League record of 276 goal involvements for a single club.Ryan Gravenberch’s deflected effort ensured all three points were going to Anfield | REUTERSRyan Gravenberch extended Liverpool’s advantage in the 58th minute with a deflected strike from outside the penalty area.The Dutchman received a precise pass from Alexis Mac Allister before advancing unopposed and unleashing a shot that took a significant deflection, leaving Martinez wrongfooted.Villa’s persistence in building from defence repeatedly played into Liverpool’s hands, allowing the hosts to force turnovers in dangerous areas.Arne Slot had been desperate to stop Liverpool’s losing streak | REUTERSThe Reds defended their penalty area with determination throughout the closing stages, securing their first clean sheet since mid-September.Late opportunities fell to Villa substitutes Donyell Malen and Ross Barkley, but both failed to convert their chances.The result provided much-needed relief for Slot, whose name echoed around Anfield at the final whistle.Liverpool’s victory marked their first league triumph in five attempts, having endured six defeats across all competitions prior to Saturday’s encounter.Hugo Ekitike had earlier seen a headed goal disallowed for offside following Szoboszlai’s excellent cross.The hosts controlled proceedings after establishing their two-goal cushion, with Villa’s attacks becoming increasingly wayward as frustration mounted. | GETTY/GBNEWSLiverpool now turn their attention to Tuesday’s Champions League clash against Real Madrid, whilst Villa must regroup quickly ahead of their European commitments.