Liverpool made a successful return to Premier League action as they beat Aston Villa 3-1 in an entertaining Boxing Day encounter.
The Reds went into the game having won just once on the road in the league all season, but got themselves well on track to double that tally when Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk netted before the break.
Ollie Watkins halved the deficit in the second-half and Villa pushed for an equaliser, but Liverpool held on before sealing victory when Stefan Bajcetic scored seconds after coming on. It was much-needed win, one that moves Jurgen Klopp’s side to within five points of fourth with a game in hand.
Trent Alexander-Arnold was fit to make the side for the visitors, while Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain made his first Premier League start since February. Danny Ings and Philippe Coutinho both started on the bench against their former club.
Ollie Watkins had an effort saved inside a minute and sent a diving header straight at Alisson, but it was Liverpool who were by far the better side in the first-half.
The opening goal came within five minutes as Alexander-Arnold sent a stunning ball over the top for Andy Robertson, who squared it first-time to leave Salah a tap-in from six yards out.
Joel Matip had the ball in the back of the net but the offside flag was raised as he began to wheel away in celebration, while chaos followed Darwin Nunez as he caused real problems. A wild clearance from Ezri Konsa set him free, with the striker’s volley kept out by Robin Olsen.
Liverpool did double their lead before the break though, as Salah played the ball back to Van Dijk in the box and he fired an effort into the far corner with the help of a slight deflection.
Villa came flying out of the blocks after the break and went close on a number of occasions, not least when Watkins fired past Alisson 40 seconds into the second-half but was offside.
The hosts got their goal though, and a way back into the match, on the hour mark. Douglas Luiz swung a deep cross into the box and Watkins was there to nod the header into the far corner.
Things became increasingly stretched as Villa pushed for an equaliser, Nunez unable to capitalise as he charged away from the home defence but sent his effort wide.
Bajcetic effectively wrapped up victory though with ten minutes remaining, skipping past the onrushing Olsen and his shot found a path through the bodies rushing back onto the line to put an end to any Villa charge.
