Dominik Szoboszlai stood out for Liverpool yet again in their 2-0 win against Aston Villa, with Arne Slot‘s back-to-basics approach paying off.
Liverpool 2-0 Aston Villa
Premier League (10) | Anfield
November 1, 2025
Goals: Salah 45+1′, Gravenberch 58′
Giorgi Marmardashvili – 7 (out of 10)
Marmardashvili’s first clean sheet as a Liverpool player and the Reds’ first since their trip to Burnley in mid-September – a morale boosting one all around.
The Georgian had an accomplished performance, making a brilliant save to keep out Matty Cash’s cross/shot and then Morgan Rogers’ strike.
Conor Bradley – 8
Bradley hasn’t got going yet this season but he did excellently here, providing attacking thrust and defensive solidity.
The Northern Irishman earned a huge cheer from the Anfield crowd with one perfectly-timed slide tackle, and ought to take that confidence into the Champions League on Tuesday.
Much more like the player we expect to see.
Ibrahima Konate – 7
Konate’s form has been part of Liverpool’s struggles this season but the positives easily outweighed the negatives against Villa.
He was carelessly robbed of possession in a dangerous area before the break, but he put his physical prowess to good use and dominated Ollie Watkins, making an unrivalled 11 defensive contributions.
Virgil van Dijk – 7
Van Dijk has dipped below his elite standards of late but this was much more like it from him.
The Dutchman went under the radar in a good way, going about his duties with ease and leading by example as Villa instead opted to play out from the back.
Andy Robertson – 8
Robertson was finally given the nod at left-back over Milos Kerkez, in what was his first Premier League start of the season.
He justified his place in the team, offering an assuredness on the left flank that has been missing this season.
The Scot provided plenty of attacking runs, almost ending up as a centre-forward at times and his overlapping sprints helped create space for Cody Gakpo. Dependable at the back too.
Ryan Gravenberch – 7
Gravenberch’s return was huge boost and, while not at his absolute best, which understandable after three games out, he enjoyed a strong display.
On the ball, the 23-year-old was typically tidy, completing 90 percent of his passes, and his deflected strike put the Reds 2-0 up and offered breathing room that has been absent for over a month.
A lovely footballer to watch.
Alexis Mac Allister – 7
Like Konate, Mac Allister has been a shadow of last season’s self, but despite being only one of two players retained from midweek, he played his first 90 minutes of the campaign.
There were times early on when he was bypassed too easily in midfield, with his pace sorely lacking, but he grew into the game and saw one shot blocked by Ezri Konsa in a much-improved display.
He fed a brilliant pass to assist Gravenberch for his goal and showed lots of passion, just ask Onana!
Dominik Szoboszlai – 8 (Man of the Match)
Szoboszlai was deployed in the No. 10 role at Anfield as he continues to showcase his versatility and relentlessness; he was superb yet again.
Liverpool’s best player, firing wide from distance and hitting the target with another effort, and never stopped running – and he’ll be cursing Hugo Ekitike for venturing offside.
Where would the Reds be without him this season?
Mohamed Salah – 7
Liverpool were desperate for an improved Salah performance and they got it!
He looked far more threatening than he has in recent weeks, producing some lovely first-time touches, before opening the scoring and reaching an astonishing 250 goals for the club.
A gift that he and all of us needed.
Some much-needed confidence returned to his game thereafter.
Cody Gakpo – 6
Gakpo has frustrated some this season, with the Dutchman accused of being too predictable, and that applied again here.
Too often, he cut inside and nothing came of it, and he needs to mix up his game to make it harder for defenders to read him.
Hugo Ekitike – 6
With Alexander Isak again out injured, Ekitike was given another chance to shine leading the line.
The Frenchman buried a clinical header but saw the goal ruled out, and he produced a couple of delightful flicks that caught the eye.
Did not look too pleased to be substituted, but got a great reception as he left the field.
Substitutes
Florian Wirtz (on for Ekitike, 77′) – 6
Hit a pass out of play – that was about it! Surely a more involved role awaits against Real Madrid.
Subs not used: Woodman, Pecsi, Gomez, Kerkez, Endo, Nyoni, Ngumoha, Chiesa
Arne Slot – 8
Only one outfield player, Ekitike, wasn’t at the club last season, as Slot went more back to basics in his approach.
Finally playing Robertson, and going with last season’s midfield, is something most have called for for a while now.
The boss will have been pleased to hear the Anfield crowd sing his name regularly as they showed their backing for the Dutchman.
A step in the right direction – next up, Real Madrid on Tuesday!