Goalkeeper & Defence

Alisson Becker (7/10):

Didn’t have much to do but showed good concentration to keep out a Cash header early in the second half.

Trent Alexander-Arnold (9/10):

Delivered a passing masterclass, both from his usual right-back spot and when he drifted centrally. Seemed to thrive as captain, and only an injury concern meant he failed to see out the 90 minutes.

Joel Matip (5/10):

A little careless in possession at times and missed a gilt-edged chance to make it 3-0 before the half-hour mark.

Joe Gomez (7/10):

Another impressive display from the England international after a strong showing off the bench last week. Doing all he can to earn more opportunities.

Andrew Robertson (8/10):

Combined superbly with Diaz down the left and seems to be coping better with the demands of knowing when to stay and when to go as Alexander-Arnold cuts inside on the opposite flank.

Midfield

Dominik Szoboszlai (8/10):

Superb first-time strike opened the scoring and was an energetic presence throughout, making some incisive runs into the half-space between the forwards.

Alexis Mac Allister (7/10):

Back in the No.6 position after Endo was left out, the Argentine swept up well and won plenty of tackles.

Curtis Jones (6/10):

Solid but unspectacular. Kept the Reds ticking over as the left-hand No.8.

Attack

Mohamed Salah (8/10):

Combined excellently with Nunez and pressed relentlessly from the front. Deserved his tap-in goal that secured the points.

Darwin Nunez (7/10):

Will wonder how he didn’t score after hitting the woodwork twice and volleying wide from close-range. Pace caused Villa’s high line problems all day and flicked header assisted Salah’s strike.

Luis Diaz (8/10):

Electric at times, particularly in the first half. Replaced shortly after the hour mark, but only to give him minutes off rather than due to poor performance.

Subs & Manager

Cody Gakpo (6/10):

Unable to properly impact the game in his 25-minute cameo.

Diogo Jota (6/10):

Couple of nice dribbles but not too much of note.

Harvey Elliott (6/10):

Showed good energy in midfield after replacing Jones.

Jarell Quansah (6/10):

Solid after coming on for the injured Alexander-Arnold.

Wataru Endo (N/A):

On for Mac Allister in the final five minutes.

Jurgen Klopp (7/10):

Appreciated he could cope without Endo and gave Szoboszlai the freedom to express himself. Decision to start Nunez also worked, even if the Uruguayan didn’t get himself on the scoresheet.