Liverpool secured a 2-0 victory over Aston Villa at Anfield on Saturday, propelled by Mohamed Salah's landmark 250th goal for the club. The win snaps a four-game losing streak in the Premier League for the reigning champions and moves them up to third in the table.
The match began with Aston Villa applying early pressure, nearly taking the lead when Morgan Rogers' shot hit the post. Matty Cash also came close, his deflected strike tipped onto the bar by Liverpool's goalkeeper, Giorgi Mamardashvili. Despite Villa's early threats, Liverpool gradually gained control.
Just before halftime, Mohamed Salah capitalized on a critical error by Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, who gifted Salah the ball with a wayward pass. Salah calmly slotted the ball into the empty net, marking his 250th goal for Liverpool. He is only the third player to reach this milestone for Liverpool, after Ian Rush (346) and Roger Hunt (285). It also puts him level with Wayne Rooney for the most goal involvements in the Premier League for a single club, with 188 goals and 88 assists.
The goal was Salah's fifth of the season, marking a potential return to form after a period of scrutiny. Speaking after the match, Salah expressed his pride in reaching the milestone and emphasized the importance of the win for the team.
Liverpool continued to control the game in the second half, limiting Aston Villa's chances. Ryan Gravenberch, returning from an ankle injury, doubled Liverpool's lead in the 58th minute with a deflected shot from outside the box. It was Gravenberch's third goal of the season, his first since September 20.
Substitutes Donyell Malen and Jadon Sancho tested Mamardashvili late in the game, but the Liverpool keeper maintained a clean sheet. The win moves Liverpool to seven points behind league leaders Arsenal.
The victory is a significant boost for Liverpool, who have faced questions regarding their form and new signings. Salah acknowledged the team's adaptation period with new players, expressing confidence that "everything will be fine".
Looking ahead, Liverpool face a crucial week with a Champions League match against Real Madrid and a Premier League clash with Manchester City.
