Liverpool break losing run as Salah reaches 250 goals in triumph over Villa
Liverpool halted their four match losing sequence in the Premier League when Mohamed Salah netted his 250th goal for the team during a 2-0 victory against Aston Villa on Saturday.
Salah capitalised on a mistake by Emiliano Martinez to score first, then Ryan Gravenberch's shot that took a deflection ensured a much needed success, moving the title holders up to third place.
"I am pleased we have returned to form," Salah commented.
"This season has been challenging for us with several new additions, talented though they are, requiring time to settle in.
"We have also lost some squad members. It demands adjustment and familiarity with teammates play, yet all will improve."
Manager Arne Slot's choice to rotate extensively for the midweek 3-0 League Cup loss to Crystal Palace intensified the demands on his key returnees to end the slump after six losses in seven outings across competitions.
"The aspect I appreciated most was the shared sense of the match significance among players and supporters alike," Slot noted. "The team delivered consistently from beginning to end."
Liverpool had leaked goals within the opening 15 minutes across their prior four league setbacks, almost suffering similarly when Morgan Rogers struck the post from 25 yards after just five minutes.
Boosted morale returns
Aston Villa sliced through Liverpool's high press effortlessly at the outset, yet soon undid themselves attempting to build from defence.
The away side escaped when Dominik Szoboszlai dispossessed Pau Torres yet tamely shot straight at Martinez with only the keeper remaining.
Hugo Ekitike managed to direct a header beyond the Argentine, although VAR intervention revealed the forward was offside from Szoboszlai's delivery.
Nevertheless, Villa ignored the caution, as a glaring blunder by Martinez allowed Salah to slot his historic strike into an empty goal shortly before the interval.
The forward's form dip contributed heavily to the Merseysiders rough campaign launch, but he now boasts five strikes this term, trailing only Ian Rush and Roger Hunt among the clubs all time leading marksmen.
This strike also concluded Liverpool's streak of conceding first in seven encounters, with assurance surging back during a commanding post interval display.
Aston Villa entered on a four win league streak, featuring victories over Tottenham and Manchester City, matching Liverpool on points beforehand.
Still, Unai Emery's side faltered against an energised Liverpool following the restart.
Gravenberch's absence through ankle trouble proved costly in the recent 3-2 loss at Brentford.
The Netherlands international benefited from luck on the second goal, charging onto Alexis Mac Allisters pass before his effort wrong footed Martinez via a ricochet off Pau Torres.
A first shutout in 11 fixtures capped an ideal commencement to a crucial period for Slot's squad.
Real Madrid head to Anfield for Champions League action on Tuesday, followed by a trip to Manchester City the subsequent weekend.
The poor spell has positioned Liverpool far behind in retaining their crown against Arsenal.
Yet narrowing the deficit to the leaders to seven points marks a vital initial move towards re entering contention for the championship.