Anfield finally had its voice back. Liverpool fans sang with pride again as Arne Slot’s team rediscovered their rhythm after weeks of frustration and doubt.
The Dutch manager had been under heavy pressure following six defeats in seven matches across all competitions. But his side produced a confident 2-0 victory over Aston Villa, with goals from Mohamed Salah and Ryan Gravenberch sealing a much-needed Premier League win.
The result ended a four-game losing streak and lifted Liverpool to third place, restoring belief among supporters who felt their team had rediscovered its old spark.
The Kop Backs Slot in Difficult Times
Even when the score was 0-0, Anfield stood behind its manager. The chants for Slot echoed around the stadium, showing the unwavering support of Liverpool’s loyal fans. “It means a lot,” Slot said. “It happened when we weren’t winning or top of the table. It came when we were struggling. That’s what makes this club special.”
He praised the supporters for understanding the moment. “They know when the team needs them,” he added. “They don’t forget what we’ve achieved together. When times get tough, they lift the players.”
Salah Joins Liverpool’s Elite
Before the match, both Slot and captain Virgil van Dijk admitted the team had fallen below its usual standards. Leaders Arsenal remained seven points clear and had not conceded a goal since late September. But this win changed the mood before key clashes with Real Madrid and Manchester City.
Salah struck just before half-time after a mistake by Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez. The Egyptian calmly finished into an empty net to reach a remarkable milestone — 250 goals for Liverpool. Only Ian Rush and Roger Hunt have ever scored more for the club.
“To reach 250 goals for one club is incredible,” Slot said. “He didn’t just score — he worked hard for the team defensively too. It was a complete performance.”
Since joining from Roma in 2017, Salah has helped Liverpool win every major trophy: the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, League Cup, Uefa Super Cup, and Fifa Club World Cup.
Although he has only four league goals this season, his display against Villa offered encouragement. Salah looked sharp again, cutting in from the right and troubling Lucas Digne throughout. Liverpool’s hopes this season depend on him maintaining that form.
Salah Proud of His Milestone
After the match, Salah spoke openly about his recent challenges. “It’s very important to win today,” he told TNT Sports. “We’ve had a few losses in both the Premier League and Champions League. I’m glad we’re back on track before some big games.”
He said the team is still building chemistry. “It’s been a tricky season,” he added. “We have new players who need time to adapt, and we’ve lost others. It takes time, but we’ll improve.”
On reaching 250 goals, Salah said: “It’s a great feeling to score for such a big club. I’m proud of this achievement and grateful for every goal.”
Van Dijk Calls for Focus
Van Dijk played a key role in Liverpool’s first clean sheet since mid-September. The captain urged the squad to ignore harsh criticism from outside. “There’s a lot of noise we can’t control,” he said. “Some of the opinions are ridiculous, but we stick together and focus on our work.”
He pointed out how quickly the tone can change. “Last season, when things weren’t perfect, everyone was positive. Now after a few defeats, people talk as if we’re finished. That’s just football.”
A Night That Lifted Anfield
Former Premier League great Alan Shearer praised Liverpool’s improvement on the Match of the Day programme. “It wasn’t perfect, but it was much better,” he said. “They deserved to win. It was a big step in rebuilding confidence. This looked more like the Liverpool we know.”
As the final whistle blew, Anfield joined in song — Bob Marley’s “Don’t worry about a thing, because every little thing is gonna be alright.”
For the first time in weeks, that optimism felt real. Liverpool fans finally believed again.
