Darwin Nunez and Mohamed Salah fired Liverpool five points clear at the top of the Premier League as the 2-0 victory over Aston Villa clinically exploited Manchester City’s defeat earlier in the day.
Anfield was buzzing after the news came in of Brighton’s victory over the defending champions and for long periods the atmosphere crackled with the sense of expectation and opportunity.
It was not their most convincing victory under Arne Slot, who has now won 15 of his first 17 games, but took Liverpool to 28 points – a tally bettered only once in the last 34 seasons when they amassed 31 points at the same stage in 2019-20 on the way to lifting the league title.
Liverpool go FIVE points clear at the top of the Premier League 🔴🙌#LIVAVL pic.twitter.com/cnSfINNfh2
— Premier League (@premierleague) November 9, 2024
It was sparked by Nunez, who scored one and missed two, which for him was a typical night in a red shirt.
The criticism levelled at the Uruguay international is that he is not reliable enough in front of goal to be first-choice number nine but he has a knack of making himself the centre of attention regardless.
His 66 minutes on the pitch was an encapsulation of that as his 20th-minute goal saw him react quickest to a loose ball to fire past Emiliano Martinez.
But faced with a long run on goal and only the Argentinian to beat from another corner breakaway he skied his shot into the Kop, while the close-range header he missed early in the second half would have undoubtedly made for a more comfortable night for the league leaders.
The winner was almost a throwback to the Jurgen Klopp era as Virgil van Dijk broke out from a Villa corner and played the ball into an empty Villa half for Salah to race onto.
He was clean through but went down in a tangle with the pursuing Leon Bailey.
Referee David Coote waved away claims for a foul – and potential red card – but Nunez was alert to the opportunity and although his first touch took him wide of Martinez his second saw him fire into an empty net from a tight angle.
But faced with a one-on-one opportunity of his own from another Villa corner 12 minutes later he displayed the profligacy which has blighted his Liverpool career to date, having only been inches away from connecting with Salah’s deft chip moments earlier.
Liverpool may have dominated but in the space of a minute the visitors had four chances to equalise: Caoimhin Kelleher tipped over Amadou Onana’s header and then repelled Diego Carlos’ near-post flick from the next delivery, with Ryan Gravenberch blocking Ollie Watkins’ follow-up before Lucas Digne volleyed into the side-netting.
The loss of Trent Alexander-Arnold to a hamstring injury midway through the first half was a blow to Liverpool and England ahead of their forthcoming Nations League matches but it did not materially affect their performance.
Straight from the second half kick-off Morgan Rogers curled a shot wide after breaking down the left to serve warning that Villa were far from done, then Nunez was equally wasteful with his head from six yards out.
Villa’s claim for a penalty when Conor Bradley had hold of Pau Torres’ shirt at a free-kick was rejected by VAR but seemed a more valid shout than when Watkins went down theatrically in a shoulder challenge with the excellent Ibrahima Konate.
The visitors ramped up the pressure in the closing 15 minutes but it required Ezri Konsa to slide in to superbly deny Luis Diaz from yet another corner counter-attack.
However, Diego Carlos was not as fortunate when he headed against Salah, who raced away to beat Martinez for his eighth goal in 10 outings against Villa, who have lost four in a row under Unai Emery for the first time.
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. Arsenal 3-0 Nottm Forest Leicester 1-2 Chelsea Pray for City! Club football is back Harry Kane recreated the Bundesliga logo When you order Jack Grealish on Wish This Please stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will be more fun tomorrow!(Credit: Justtoonit, FootballLaughss, PL__OOC)...
The France striker has been linked with Manchester United in recent days.And as he battles to work his way into Chelsea's starting XI this season, Nkunku is said to be considering his options.United and PSG have both been linked with the striker.But the Athletic says Chelsea have ruled out parting with Nkunku in January....
Diomande has been linked with Manchester United, Arsenal and Manchester City this season.Andersen coached the defender with Midtjylland U19s and told O Jogo: “I can understand that there is a lot of enthusiasm around Diomande and that big clubs are after him, because he has been very well. "They're crazy values, you've reached a point where you start to wonder if they belong there. I talk to...
Trivela says Real are considering a move for the Brazilian veteran in January.Real management recognise the retirement of Toni Kroos has left a massive void, which has led to discussions about bringing Casemiro back to the club.It's believed Casemiro would have a big impact on the pitch and in the dressing room at Real, which are struggling for consistency this season.The 32 year-old left Real for...
Arsenal and Liverpool to lock horns in January for ZubimendiReal Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi has emerged as a prime target for Liverpool, but Arsenal are reportedly keen on rivalling the Merseyside club for his signature. According to TEAMtalk, Liverpool are preparing a second bid for the standout player, with a January transfer seen as a strong possibility. They are determined to land Zu...
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. Jack Grealish joked about Pep Guardiola's reaction if he went on I'm a Celeb this year Man City vs Spurs this weekend… Cristiano Ronaldo Mudryppe Throw back to the most crazy substitution in football history... Kylian Mbappe vs Tree When everyone keeps calling you a one season wonder but you're just a chill guy. Please stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will...
Ruben Amorim is set to take charge of his first game for the Red Devils against Ipswich on Sunday.Man Utd are planning some major transfers to bolster Ruben Amorim's teamThe club are reportedly considering returning for Jarrad BranthwaiteJamie Carragher is intrigued to see how such a "radical" move with work mid-season, while Amorim himself has warned fans they will need to prepare for some "hard ...
The center half is one of the most sought after young talents in the world at present.Per football.london, both Arsenal and United are keen to sign him in the summer.However, the source states that United are very much in the ascendancy in this respect.Having hired Ruben Amorim, who was previously Diomande's manager at Sporting CP, gives them a big edge.Diomande may also base his decision on wheth...
Javier Mascherano is set to become the new head coach of Inter Miami in the upcoming days as the two parties finalize contract negotiations, sources have confirmed to ESPN.Mascherano will leave his post as manager of Argentina's youth team to lead Lionel Messi and the Herons throughout the 2025 campaign. He replaces Gerardo "Tata" Martino, who exits the club after a year and a half due to personal...
Kolo Muani Linked with January Premier League LoanParis Saint-Germain forward Randal Kolo Muani could secure a temporary move to the Premier League in January, according to Caught Offside. The French international, who has faced limited playing opportunities this season, is attracting interest from several English clubs. West Ham United and Newcastle United are reportedly leading the race for Kolo...
- 1 Roy Keane forced to watch daughter's beau net on his England debut
- 2 I am not a lunatic – Craig Bellamy glad to show different side in Wales dugout
- 3 Nicolas Pepe pictured on night out with porn star Teanna Trump
- 4 Roy Keane’s daughter pictured with Taylor Harwood-Bellis for first time
- 5 Johnnie Jackson bemoans refereeing decisions after dramatic Dons draw
- 6 Ex-Prem ace asked Liverpool star for his sister's phone number
- 7 Liverpool and Man Utd eye Pulisic
- 8 Liam Cullen leads Wales to Nations League promotion
- 9 Daily Laugh - Oliver Aiku, who praises Van Dijk
- 10 Trent Alexander-Arnold dating stunning Instagram model