Liverpool returned to winning ways at Anfield on Saturday, overcoming Aston Villa 2-0 in a performance that showcased their best form of the season. The victory offered a much-needed boost to their Premier League title hopes, though manager Arne Slot insisted that luck had played a part in the outcome.
One factor that worked decisively in Liverpool’s favour was Villa’s approach. Set-pieces and long balls have been the Reds Achilles heel this season, with defensive lapses costing them points on more than one occasion. On Saturday, however, Liverpool were rarely tested in this area.
“We didn’t concede a set piece, which was helpful, but also we got a bit lucky, which hasn’t happened recently,” Slot told BBC Sport. “Today after five minutes they hit the post. Our second goal was a deflection. When they hit the post, that was their biggest chance. The last few weeks, every time that ball went in, now it didn’t. Our second goal was a bit of luck, which we haven’t had in the last few weeks.”
Emery’s men opted to keep the ball on the ground, passing in triangles rather than relying on long balls or aerial duels, which played straight into Liverpool’s hands. The cautious approach limited Liverpool’s exposure to set-pieces and allowed them to play in a style more familiar and comfortable for the Reds, maximising their attacking strengths.
Defensively, Liverpool have struggled at times this season. Ibrahima Konaté has been inconsistent, while Milos Kerkez has repeatedly been outperformed by Andy Robertson on the left flank. Saturday saw Slot revert to a starting XI largely resembling the side that lifted the Premier League last season, and the stability paid dividends.
“The good thing about being 1-0 or 2-0 up, you can control the game a bit better with more possession,” Slot said. “But if you are down, you have to chase the game and take risks and get counter-attacked. I think everyone who was here today felt the importance of the game, the players and fans as well. We showed character and won the game.”
Liverpool’s first goal came through Mohamed Salah, who continues to be the fulcrum of the Reds’ attacking play. The second, scored by Ryan Gravenberch, was aided by a deflection – a reminder that sometimes fine margins make all the difference. Slot acknowledged that, in recent weeks, the team has not benefited from such moments, and that a touch of fortune can be decisive in tight games.
The result leaves Liverpool seven points behind leaders Arsenal, with Andoni Iraola’s Bournemouth the only other side ahead. While there have been doubts over their title credentials following a challenging month, the gap remains manageable. With a second meeting against Arsenal still to come and the possibility of a slip-up from the Gunners, Liverpool’s top-flight ambitions are far from over.
Yet, the fixtures ahead including crucial encounters with Real Madrid in the Champions League and Manchester City in the league will test the Reds’ resolve. Slot knows consistency is key. Returning to their best performances and maintaining them will be essential if Liverpool are to retain the Premier League title.
The Anfield crowd, as ever, played its part. Their vocal support reflected the importance of the game and lifted a side that had been searching for confidence. Slot praised both the players and the fans for showing character, acknowledging that winning tight games often requires a combination of skill, planning, and a little luck.
“Margins are small every single game,” he added. “The good thing is when you win these games, you can build confidence. We need to take this forward and prepare for the next challenges.”
Saturday’s victory, then, was more than three points. It was a reminder that even in a season filled with uncertainty, Liverpool have the tools, the personnel, and sometimes a touch of fortune to stay in the hunt for domestic glory.
