Liverpool are up into fourth in the Premier League table after a 2-1 win over Aston Villa on Saturday that was their first victory at Anfield since mid-December.
Ollie Watkins opened the scoring for the visitors on 43 minutes after being teed up by John McGinn and Roberto Firmino thought he had equalized on the stroke of half time only to be ruled offside. Mo Salah did eventually level for Jurgen Klopp's men after 57 minutes and Trent Alexander-Arnold made sure of the points with a superb late effort.
Salah and Alexander-Arnold give Liverpool a first win at Anfield in nine games. Can they get another against Real Madrid on Wednesday? 🤔#UCL pic.twitter.com/x54oxYx1Dc
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) April 10, 2021
The result gives the Reds new momentum in the Premier League and a confidence boost as they try to overcome Real Madrid's UEFA Champions League quarterfinal first leg lead. For Villa, though, it was a deflating result after leading and having the chance to at least return to Birmingham with a point.
Craving even more coverage of the world's game? Listen below and follow ¡Qué Golazo! A Daily CBS Soccer Podcast where we take you beyond the pitch and around the globe for commentary, previews, recaps and more.
Some winners and losers.
Winner: Trent Alexander-Arnold
90' - GET IN!! Trent cuts inside from the left side of the box, curls it into the bottom corner. FANTASTIC GOAL!!
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) April 10, 2021
[2-1]#LIVAVL https://t.co/GiNOdEpJ7D
At a time when his potential involvement with England's squad for this summer's European championship is being debated, the 22-year-old came up big for Liverpool to keep them in the hunt for Champions League qualification via the Premier League with his late winner. Granted, inclusion in Gareth Southgate's final group (he was at Anfield to watch) will depend on more than just a great goal, but it was the much-needed boost that the young right-back has been in desperate need of lately.
Loser: Trezeguet
🔙🔜 @Trezeguet 🙏 #LIVAVL pic.twitter.com/rFkVKi7K9O
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) April 10, 2021
Before Alexander-Arnold's superb winner and just after Salah's equalizer, the Egypt international had a great chance to put Villa back in front and was denied by the post with an outside of the foot effort. Unfortunately, Trezeguet's afternoon would end badly with an injury that eventually required him to make way for young Jacob Ramsey just moments before the hosts scored their crucial second goal of the game.
Winner: Jurgen Klopp
LOVE. THAT. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/1StZgNT1QJ
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) April 10, 2021
His Liverpool side ended their dire recent run at Anfield with a first win since Tottenham Hotspur back in mid-December and just at the right time to keep them in the hunt for European qualification with the Champions League complicated after their first leg loss to Real Mardid. The Reds could still finish in the UCL spots in the Premier League if they can build on this result and start recovering their home form.
Loser: Dean Smith
62' | Watkins holds the ball up and lays it off for Trézéguet, who hits the post with an outrageous effort with the outside of his foot. 😩
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) April 10, 2021
🔴 1-1 ⚪ #LIVAVL pic.twitter.com/FxOwfiBCIl
As fortuitous as it was, Villa were in a leading position and threw it away by wasting their chances to add to Watkins' opener and Smith will once again face questions about his team's over-reliance on Jack Grealish. The talismanic captain was not missed as sorely as he often is, but Villa still lack the sort of killer instinct we see from them more often when the England international is available.
Winner: Ollie Watkins
Aston Villa lead at the break thanks to Ollie Watkins' 𝟭𝟮𝘁𝗵 Premier League goal of the season! 🙌 #LIVAVL pic.twitter.com/6RjOfGJgtl
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) April 10, 2021
Scorer of Villa's opener, England boss Gareth Southgate watched on as Watkins continues to be a bright spot for Villa as their form fades away and his latest goal will have only helped his chances of keeping his place with the Three Lions as we head towards this summer's Euros. The 25-year-old is edging towards the 15-goal mark and that represents a healthy debut season after his move from Brentford which should finish with continued international recognition.
Loser: Roberto Firmino
NO GOAL. Ruled out for offside after a VAR check.
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) April 10, 2021
[0-1]#LIVAVL https://t.co/4b3HZYf0qL
Unlucky to see his effort at the end of the first half ruled out in confusing fashion, the Brazilian's subdued form continues -- even if it is perhaps not as worrying as Sadio Mane's declining numbers. On another day, Firmino would have been celebrating but the 29-year-old was denied and so remains with just one goal since back in December when he scored in the 7-0 rout of Crystal Palace.