Alisson Becker 8
Twice saved well from Watkins first half – wasn’t to know one would be flagged offside – and confident handling.
Trent Alexander-Arnold 7
Superb pass with outside of right foot helped create the opener and revelled going forward. Defended doggedly but became a little ragged later on as he tired. Subbed.
Joel Matip 6
Didn’t enjoy himself up against Watkins and lost the striker on far too many occasions, including Villa’s first. Atoned somewhat with some vital interceptions in the final quarter of the match.
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Virgil van Dijk 7
Looked a little rusty during the opening exchanged but became more composed as he grew into game, and took his goal well.
Andy Robertson 8
Excellent first-time ball laid on the opener for Salah and regularly offered himself as an attacking outlet. Stood firm second half as Villa pressed. Impressive.
Fabinho 7
Helped Liverpool gain control of the midfield with some good tackling and positioning, but much tougher going as Villa fought back.
Jordan Henderson 7
Kept a high tempo first half and quick passing brought Liverpool attackers into the game. Second half a more attritional affair, giving the ball away too often. Subbed.
Thiago Alcantara 6
Married his usual neat and tidy passing with some tenacious tackling first half, but faded somewhat after the break. Subbed.
Mohamed Salah 8
On hand to tap in the opener, wide with another first-half chance and worried Mings in particular. Kept ball alive for second, but missed chance on counter for third. Tireless.
Darwin Nunez 7
A constant target playing on the shoulder of the Villa backline, although offside a bit too often. Saw one volley saved but should have at least hit target with good second-half chance. Did well to assist third.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain 7
Livewire showing down the left with real intent first half, and one slaloming run helped earn the corner for the second. Different story after the break. Subbed.
Naby Keita (for Thiago 66) 6
First Premier League outing this season wasn’t afraid to get stuck in.
Harvey Elliott (for Oxlade-Chamberlain 66) 6
Difficult to get into game on the left.
Joe Gomez (for Alexander-Arnold 79)
Brought fresh legs to the rearguard action.
Stefan Bajcetic (for Henderson 79)
Big show of faith in the teenager, who repaid it by scoring the third in classy fashion.
Ben Doak (for Nunez 88)
What a moment for the 17-year-old, handed his Premier League debut.
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