Mohamed Salah shone as Liverpool secured a solid 2-0 victory over Aston Villa at Anfield, extending their lead at the top of the Premier League to five points. Salah played a pivotal role, scoring one goal and assisting another, as Arne Slot’s team capitalized on Manchester City's earlier defeat to Brighton. Darwin Nunez opened the scoring in the 20th minute, slotting in from a tight angle after an impressive setup from Salah.

Villa, managed by Unai Emery, created chances but were denied by Liverpool’s backup keeper Caoimhin Kelleher, who made critical saves against Amadou Onana and Diego Carlos. VAR denied Villa a penalty, adding to their frustrations. Salah then clinched victory in the 84th minute, coolly chipping Emiliano Martinez on a counterattack. While Liverpool remain top with nine wins in 11 games, Villa sits eighth, level on points with Fulham, Arsenal, and Chelsea.