Liverpool secured a vital 2-0 victory over Aston Villa on November 9, taking advantage of Manchester City’s earlier defeat to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League to five points.

This result, while not their most brilliant performance under Arne Slot, took Liverpool to 28 points, a total they have only bettered once in the last 34 seasons.

The match was largely shaped by Darwin Núñez, whose 20th-minute goal came after he pounced on a loose ball to shoot past Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez. Despite this, the Uruguayan had his usual mixed performance: he missed a header early in the second half that would have sealed the match and missed a chance on a breakaway.

However, it was a well-executed counter-attack that resulted in the second goal, reminiscent of the Klopp era. After Villa’s corner, Virgil van Dijk broke free and delivered a pass into an empty Villa half for Mohamed Salah to pursue. Although Salah was fouled by Leon Bailey, the referee rejected calls for a penalty. Núñez, alert to the loose ball, tucked it into the empty net.

Salah would later score his eighth goal in 10 matches against Villa, capitalizing on a rebound after Diego Carlos’ header hit him. Aston Villa, however, had their moments. Just minutes after the second goal, Liverpool were forced to scramble defensively, with Caoimhin Kelleher saving an Amadou Onana header and Ryan Gravenberch clearing an Ollie Watkins shot. Minutes later, Lucas Digne volleyed home from close range, while Villa’s appeals for a penalty were rebuffed by VAR.

Liverpool’s afternoon was marred by Trent Alexander-Arnold’s hamstring injury, which could affect both Liverpool and England ahead of international duty. Yet Liverpool remained dominant in possession, with Villa’s counter-attacks failing to find the net. Villa manager Unai Emery, under increasing pressure, saw his side lose their fourth consecutive match.

In the closing stages the visitors increased their pressure, but it was the hosts who remained clinical when necessary. Despite Núñez’s occasional wastefulness, Liverpool picked up three crucial points which extended their lead at the top, leaving Villa to languish in defeat.