Liverpool won their first game in the Premier League since been crowned Champions.

Sadio Mane’s punch and Curtis Jones first Premier League goal pinched Aston Villa who now have two points from their last five matches.

 

 

It took two late goals for Liverpool to come from behind to win at Villa Park in the first round of the Premier League.

Liverpool were not of their best in the first half as the visitor frustrated their play and defended very well to salvage points at Anfield.

A penalty appeal in the 6-minute was not given after Mohamed Salah was brought down in the yard. The Egyptian wriggled free inside the area but could not find space to get a shot away. Luiz was very tight to him and the Liverpool man fell to the ground with eyes on the referee, who was well placed.

 

 

There was a lack of rhythm on show from the champions as Van Dijk was solid with Gomez at the back against an organized Villa who posed threats in the early part of the game.

Klopp made three changes in the second half, bringing on Henderson, Firmino, and Wijnaldum are on for Oxlade-Chamberlain, Origi, and Fabinho.

The Reds found their tempo few minutes as Firmino’s took his intermediary role and with his creative moves, begun distributing passes upfront to Mane, Salah, and Keita.

 

 

Liverpool broke the deadlock in the 71-minute through Mane. Alexander-Arnold moved into midfield and picked out a forceful pass to Keita down the left edge of the box. He did not give Villa a chance to get set and rolled one in for Mane to slot home via the underside of the crossbar. 

 

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The Brazilian changed the game with his link play and the real definition of champions took over the game.

With five minutes to time, Curtis Jones who signed a five-year deal in the week subbed Keita. He made a quick response by scoring his first Premier League goal for the Reds to seal his contract.

 

 

Liverpool moved the ball with great pace to the left and Salah knocked a ball back to the postback. It was a tough bouncing ball to control but Jones guided and powered a finish into the far corner, beyond Reina.

He is the youngest Liverpool player (19 years) to score a Premier League goal since Trent Alexander-Arnold.

They extended their lead to 23 points ahead of Manchester City who played a game against Southampton at the St. Mary’s later.

 

 

Liverpool are unbeaten in their last 57 Premier League home games- winning 47 and drawing 10; winning each of the last 24 in a row.

Aston Villa occupies 18th on 27 points, one point behind Watford.