Darwin Nunez and Mo Salah each found the net as Liverpool headed into the November international break with an impressive win and a five-point lead at the top of the Premier League

For Aston Villa, it marked a fourth consecutive defeat and a fifth game without a win, underscoring their struggles. However, Liverpool’s clinical performance highlighted the success of Arne Slot’s early tenure.

The Dutch manager has now overseen 15 wins and a draw in his first 17 games, sparking title aspirations among Liverpool fans.

Despite Liverpool’s lead, the game remained unsettled until the 84th minute when Salah capitalized on a defensive error from Ian Maatsen, who failed to clear the ball. Salah pounced on the loose ball, sprinting upfield, and lifted a clever finish over Emiliano Martinez. Villa appealed for a foul on Pau Torres by Ryan Gravenberch in the buildup, but the goal stood.

In the first half, Villa’s set-pieces looked like the primary goal threat for both sides. Liverpool’s opener came from a counterattack off a Villa corner. Virgil van Dijk launched the ball forward, and after Salah was fouled by Leon Bailey, it broke to Nunez, who rounded Martinez and slotted it into the open net.

Nunez’s instincts were on display again when Salah put him through in the 33rd minute, but this time he fired over, squandering a golden chance to extend Liverpool’s lead.

Villa mounted pressure towards the end of the first half, with two superb saves by Caoimhin Kelleher keeping Liverpool’s lead intact. First, Amadou Onana’s header from a Lucas Digne cross was tipped over, then Diego Carlos forced another reflex save from the Liverpool keeper.

As the second half began, Villa nearly leveled when Morgan Rogers broke free but missed wide. Liverpool had their chances too, as Nunez headed wide from an Andy Robertson cross shortly afterward.

Liverpool’s defense was tested further when Villa appealed for a penalty, claiming Pau Torres had been pulled down by Conor Bradley, but VAR dismissed it. Jhon Duran’s arrival in the 65th minute brought more intensity from Villa, but van Dijk’s resilient defending foiled their efforts.

The Reds nearly added another through a counter-attack, but Salah’s pass to Luis Diaz was mistimed. Villa continued to push, yet Liverpool held on, securing a hard-fought victory and three vital points as they remained firmly at the top.