In another match where the Reds lacked rhythm having secured the title, Liverpool eventually emerged past Aston Villa 2-0 at Anfield.
With a rotated side, Jurgen Klopp went with a lineup that was decidedly more attack-oriented with both Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in midfield but Liverpool looked out of synch for the better part of an hour.
Apart from some suspect refereeing, the Reds scuffled through most of the first half and opted for safety and control rather than risk or rush. It made for an uncharacteristically boring opening 45 minutes from the home side.
The break saw Liverpool approach the second half with more urgency, but it wasn’t until Klopp made three substitutions on the hour mark that play began to pick up. The addition of Jordan Henderson and Gini Wijnaldum in midfield gave the Reds more impulse and Roberto Firmino’s ability to create space changed everything in attack.
Within 10 minutes, Liverpool looked sharper and cut through the Villans defences. The decision to keep Keita on the pitch paid off, as he found Sadio Mané for the game’s opener. At the point, Villa found the uphill climb much less motivating.
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Then, in a late cameo appearance to get Curtis Jones that much closer to earning his championship medal, the Scouser scored in the 89th minute. It was a moment of joy for Jones who benefitted from a cushioned header from Mo Salah to score his first Premier League goal.
Here are four findings from the match.
