Liverpool extended their lead at the top of the Premier League to five points with a 2-0 win over Aston Villa at Anfield, marking their sixth victory in the last seven home league meetings against Villa.Unai Emery’s team faced one of the most challenging away fixtures in football on the back of three consecutive losses across all competitions. Despite this, Villa started with confidence and energy, keeping pace with Liverpool in the first 15 minutes. However, a counterattack from Liverpool caught them off guard in the 20th minute. Virgil van Dijk launched the break, setting up Mohamed Salah, who was fouled by Leon Bailey. Darwin Núñez seized the loose ball, rounded Emiliano Martínez, and slotted it home from a tight angle to give Liverpool the lead.Shortly after going ahead, Liverpool had to cope with the early departure of Trent Alexander-Arnold due to injury. Villa nearly took advantage when Ollie Watkins found himself with an opportunity but dragged his shot wide. Núñez missed a chance to double the lead, firing high and wide on a breakaway, before stand-in keeper Caoimhin Kelleher was called upon to make two sharp saves, denying headers from Amadou Onana and Diego Carlos.Without Rodri and KDB, Cityzens are only ‘human’: Pep’s fourth defeat in a row!Liverpool held their lead going into halftime, but Villa’s threat loomed large. Anfield grew tense as Morgan Rogers missed a clear chance immediately after the restart. The home crowd rallied, and Liverpool came close when Andrew Robertson’s cross met Núñez, whose header went just wide. Villa fans were left frustrated on the hour mark when they felt Conor Bradley’s shirt-pull on Pau Torres in the box warranted a penalty, but the referee waved play on.Both sides made substitutions, slowing the pace briefly. However, just as Villa looked to mount pressure, Liverpool delivered the finishing blow. Another swift counter saw Salah intercept a Carlos header, race forward, and beat Martínez for his eighth goal in 10 games against Villa. With this win, Arne Slot becomes only the fourth manager in Premier League history to win nine of his first 11 games, while Villa’s defeat marks a disappointing 100th game in charge for Emery, who now faces a fourth consecutive loss.ENGLAND PREMIER LEAGUE – MATCHDAY 11SaturdayBrentford – Bournemouth 3-2 (1-1)/Wissa 27, 58, Damsgaard 50 – Evanilson 17, Kluivert 49/Crystal Palace – Fulham 0-2 (0-1)/Smith Rowe 45+2, Wilson 83/West Ham – Everton 0-0Wolverhampton – Southampton 2-0 (1-0)/Sarrabia 2, Cunha 51/Brighton – Man.City 2-1 (0-1)/Joao Pedro 78, O’Riley 83 – Haaland 23/Liverpool – Aston Villa 2-0 (1-0)/Nunez 20, Salah 84/Sunday17:00: (1.42) Man.Utd. (5.00) Leicester (8.00)17:00: (2.75) Nott.Forest (3.20) Newcastle (2.65)17:00: (1.27) Tottenham (6.25) Ipswich (9.50)19:30: (2.85) Chelsea (3.50) Arsenal (2.55)***odds are subject to change***
