Konate shines as 4/10 dud anonymous – Liverpool player ratings v Aston Villa
Liverpool were held to a 2-2 draw by Aston Villa on Wednesday evening as their title charge stuttered slightly.
Arne Slot made one change as the Reds failed to go ten points clear at the summit of the Premier League.
Goals from Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold were not enough as his side were held at Villa Park (19 February.)
Here, Liverpool News rates the Reds players out of 10.
Alisson – 5
Nothing he could do for the two Villa goals but he will be disappointed with his display and he nearly added to Slot’s woes when recklessly rushing out to confront Marcus Rashford.
Trent Alexander-Arnold – 6 (off for Bradley, 66)
Constantly beaten on the right flank and the Reds were forced to pay when a cross found Watkins in acres of space and he made no mistake but made up for it with a wonderstrike before being replaced.
Ibrahima Konate shines despite Liverpool draw
Ibrahima Konate – 7
Ibrahima Konate’s display was a stark comparison to his horror show against Wolves on Sunday (16 February), on hand to spare Alisson’s blushes after the aforementioned error and was dominant on the ground throughout the contest.
Virgil van Dijk – 6
The Dutchman was unusually poor with the ball at his feet when trying to drive the Reds forward and in the air defensively on this occasion.
Andy Robertson – 6
Andy Robertson was included in the starting line-up despite calls for Kostas Tsimikas to start and he responded by creating the most chances in the contest but was suspect when Villa attacked.
Ryan Gravenberch struggles for Liverpool v Aston Villa
Ryan Gravenberch – 4
Another poor display for the former Bayern Munich star who seems to be running out of steam after a wonderful campaign so far, struggled to assert his authority on the clash at either end..
Alexis Mac Allister – 7 (off for Diaz, 81)
Was a constant threat for the Reds and his defensive efforts were vital despite his side being held to a draw.
Curtis Jones – 4
Had Emi Martinez concerned with a low drive in the first half but an anonymous performance on his return to the starting line-up.
Dominik Szoboszlai – 5
Failed to influence the contest in the way he would have liked but constantly tried to be the difference-maker for the league leaders.
Mohamed Salah – 6
Composed in front of goal when played in by Jota to open the scoring but a relatively quiet game for the Egyptian, his recent form may concern Slot.
Diogo Jota – 6 (off for Nunez, 66)
Diogo Jota continued his comeback with a solid performance and was unselfish when assisting Salah for the opener but missed a huge chance to give the Reds the lead after the equaliser and was replaced by Nunez.
Substitutes:
Conor Bradley – 6 (on for Alexander-Arnold, 66)
Darwin Nunez – 5 (on for Jota, 66)
Luis Diaz – N/A (on for Mac Allister, 81)
Jarell Quansah – N/A (on for Bradley, 89)