Liverpool beat Aston Villa 2-0, ending a disappointing run of results and more importantly, Arne Slot proved his mettle and strategy to lead the Reds through difficulties.
This victory did not come from just 2 goals, this was an achievement built by tactical discipline, team spirit and big decisions made by Arne Slot at the right time.
One of the most memorable moments was not in the goal, it was in the middle of the first half, when Dominik Szoboszlai missed a decade chance and anxiety engulfed Anfield. Instead of sighing, The Kop fans sang Slot's name and put up the banners: "Unity is strength".
That atmosphere makes Liverpool the most special team in England. They do not forget what the Dutch coach did last season when he convincingly led the team to the 20th national championship.
When big choices prove their value
Injuries, losses and pressure have made Liverpool's journey at the beginning of the season very difficult. 6 losses in the last 7 matches and especially 4 consecutive defeats in the Premier League have raised doubts. When Arne Slot left the League Cup with a young squad against Crystal Palace, he pushed himself into a position where he had to win against Aston Villa.
Against Villa, the Liverpool captain decided to put his faith in experience when Andrew Robertson returned to the starting lineup, replacing the young but unstable Milos Kerkez. That seemingly simple change has made a big difference. The Kop kept a clean sheet for the first time in 11 matches and the Van Dijk - Konate pair returned to their familiar solidity with Robertson's support.
Conor Bradley - a player who has been absent-minded for many weeks - has been defended by Slot. He responded with the best match of the season, playing for 90 minutes and not losing steam. As a result, Szoboszlai has not been deployed as a full-back as in previous matches and can operate in the center, where he has caused the most damage.
The return of the midfield and the vitality of the playing style
Not only the defense, Liverpool's midfield also found its rhythm. Gravenberch returned from injury and immediately made an impression when he won 6/8 challenges, created a pressing rhythm and scored 1 goal for himself. Alongside him, Alexis Mac Allister played the full 90 minutes for the first time since April. When the two collaborated with Szoboszlai, Liverpool recreated the image of the midfield championship last season energy, intensity, controlling the second half and dominating when applying pressure from the front.
It is difficult to say that Florian Wirtz is not important in the future, but in this match alone, Arne Slot believes in those who understand the system. They returned with a performance of a balanced, stable and combat-rich structure.
Salah returns with his most comprehensive performance since the beginning of the season
Mohamed Salah has gone through a period of lackluster form and has had his most comprehensive comeback since the beginning of the season. Not only did he score, the "Egyptian King" also created pressure, retreated to support the defense, connected the playing style and was the destination for long balls to change state. Against Lucas Digne, Salah showed complete superiority, from speed, fitness to tactical acumen.
Arne Slot commented: What I like most is not just goals. Salah has done many other jobs for the whole team, both offensive and defensive."
Players like Hugo Ekitike have not shown much but with a working spirit and a positive attitude, they are gradually integrating.
Starting over but the journey is still long
The victory over Aston Villa helped Liverpool send a message to fans that everything will be fine. The Kop need this victory to shock their heads because ahead is Real Madrid in the Champions League, then Manchester City in the Premier League.
In addition, the victory may not be the decisive turning point, but it is an affirmation that Arne Slot is still in control of the boat and the team still believe in him. By making a decisive decision, accurately accessing the experience and creating an environment for the collective to revive, the Dutch strategist has put the first brick back on the track.
This match helped Liverpool get 18 points, climbing to 3rd place in the Premier League rankings after round 10. However, the victory over Aston Villa is not only meaningful in terms of points, the most important thing is that it helps The Kop regain their spirit and belief that the season is still intact for them.
