Dominik Szoboszlai scored a stunning first Liverpool goal as the Reds comfortably beat Aston Villa.
Aston Villa were the next challenge as Liverpool looked to continue their strong start to the 2023/24 season. With the transfer window closed, Liverpool finished with four midfield signings: Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endo and Ryan Gravenberch.
Aston Villa were humbled 5-1 by Newcastle United on the opening day of the season, but have since enjoyed a 4-0 win against Everton, followed by a 3-1 win against Burnley.
Only Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City had picked up more points in 2023 than Unai Emery’s Aston Villa as the Villains head into Europe for the first time since 2010.
Jurgen Klopp gave a new midfield trio a go on Sunday, with Mac Allister and Szoboszlai playing alongside tricky and technical youngster Curtis Jones – who had somewhat revived his Liverpool career at the back-end of last season.
He was, however, without captain Virgil van Dijk as the Dutchman served out his one-match ban following his sending off at Newcastle United last week. Joel Matip partnered Joe Gomez in defence.
It didn’t take long for Liverpool’s new Hungarian to bag, as he hit the most stunning strike from Trent Alexander-Arnold’s corner just three minutes into the game.
Darwin Nunez was given a first start of the season after his St. James’ Park heroics of the previous week. It would be the Uruguayan to create the opportunity for Liverpool’s second goal, as the striker hit the post before Matty Cash rebounded into his own net.
A third goal coming in the second half from Mohamed Salah sealed a comfortable three points and a first clean sheet of the season for Klopp’s side.
Speculation over Salah’s future at Anfield remains, as Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad are adamant over their interest in the Egyptian forward. Liverpool rejected a £150million bid on deadline day from the club.
Four games, three wins, one draw and zero defeats is how Liverpool go into the first international break of the season. Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux is what awaits the Reds as they look to kick on from their impressive start.
Liverpool team: Alisson, Alexander-Arnold (Quansah 71), Matip, Gomez, Robertson, Szoboszlai, Mac Allister (Endo 87), Jones (Elliott 64), Salah, Nunez (Gakpo 65), Diaz (Jota 65).
Aston Villa team: Martinez, Konsa, Carlos (Bailey 19 (Zaniolo 65)), Torres, Digne, Cash, Kamara, Luiz (Tielemans 72), McGinn, Diaby, Watkins (Duran 73).
Read More Liverpool Coverage:
- Report: Liverpool Reject Al Ittihad’s Verbal Offer Exceeding £100M for Mohamed Salah’s Signature
- Liverpool Agree £34m Deal With Bayern Munich To Sign Ryan Gravenberch
- Thiago Alcantara Suffers Liverpool Injury Setback
- Europa League Draw: Liverpool Drawn With LASK, Union SG And Toulouse
- Jurgen Klopp Delighted with Liverpool’s Summer Transfer Window Activity
- Liverpool Defender Nat Phillips Joins Celtic On Loan
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