Sadio Mane scored a last-gasp winner as Liverpool survived a major scare to win 2-1 against newly-promoted Aston Villa. The hosts deservedly led at the break as an uninspired Liverpool fell behind to Trezeguet's close-range finish.
Andy Robertson levelled the scores in the 86th minute before Mane's brilliant 94th-minute header broke Villa hearts and ensured Jurgen Klopp's side extended their Premier League unbeaten run in dramatic fashion.
Positives
Liverpool improved after the break as they looked to play with more intensity and only a fine Peter Schmeichel-esque save from an inspired Tom Heaton prevented Sadio Mane from levelling the scores. The visitors were totally dominant in the second half and their pressure finally told as the Reds struck twice late on, while Mane claimed another goal and assist to add to his tally.
Negatives
Liverpool lacked creativity and struggled to find an answer to Villa's high-tempo press in the first half. Despite their relentless pressure in the second, the Reds struggled to settle into their passing rhythm for large periods of the game, which led to a lack of meaningful opportunities.
Manager rating (out of 10)
6 -- Klopp made just one change to the side that beat Tottenham, with Adam Lallana replacing Fabinho in midfield. His side were desperately poor in the first half, but much better in the second and the introduction of Divock Origi and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain had a positive effect.
Player ratings (1-10; 10 = best, players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)
GK Alisson, 6 -- Raced off his goalline to deal with Jordan Henderson's underhit back pass, but could maybe have done better from Trezeguet's effort that opened the scoring. Had next to nothing to do after half-time.
DF Trent Alexander-Arnold, 6 -- Fulfilled his defensive duties well for the most part against the impressive Trezeguet. Put in a good shift on his 100th appearance and Liverpool looked at their most threatening when he was charging forward.
DF Dejan Lovren, 5 -- Crafted his side's first half-chance when his dangerous ball into the box just about evaded Roberto Firmino, but struggled to cope with the Villa attack in the first half. Improved after the break and won some important headers.
DF Virgil van Dijk, 6 -- For once, even Van Dijk didn't seem to have all the answers. The towering centre-back wasn't at his usual best and was adjudged to be the man playing Trezeguet onside as the hosts took the lead.
DF Andrew Robertson, 7 -- Sent a couple of teasing, low crosses into the box from the left, but wasn't at his best defensively and on occasion, gave Trezeguet acres of space as the Villa forward wasted a golden chance to grab his second. Netted a crucial late equaliser with an excellent header from Mane's cross that helped spare his side's blushes.
MF Adam Lallana, 5 -- Struggled to influence the game in midfield. Floated a couple of over-hit crosses towards nobody in particular and missed an absolute sitter with the score at 1-0.
MF Jordan Henderson, 6 -- A mixed performance from the Liverpool skipper. Showed excellent awareness and energy to quickly snuff out a Villa attack only to completely fluff his back pass. That mistake aside, he ran his socks off to support the cause.
MF Georginio Wijnaldum, 5 -- A quiet performance in midfield. Drew a comfortable save from Heaton with a cleanly-hit effort from distance before being replaced by Origi in the 65th minute.
FW Sadio Mane, 7 -- An eventful afternoon for the Senegal man. Conceded the free kick that led to the opening goal and went into the book for a rather cynical dive. Ultimately proved to be the difference, superbly picking out Robertson for the equaliser before scoring the winner with an excellent header.
FW Mohamed Salah, 4 -- A frustrating afternoon from the Liverpool man. Produced a couple of neat flicks but never really looked like finding a teammate with them. Blazed a couple of good chances high and wide, and was replaced by Oxlade-Chamberlain after the hour mark.
FW Roberto Firmino, 5 -- Thought he'd levelled the scores with a smart finish from close-range, but saw his effort chalked off by the harshest of offside calls. An otherwise quiet afternoon.
Substitutes
MF Naby Keita, 6 -- Introduced in place of Lallana in the 84th minute. Didn't have too much time to make an impact but put in a good shift to help his side get over the line.
FW Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, 7 -- Replaced Salah in the 65th minute and looked lively. Almost made an immediate impact, but his trio of strikes were bravely blocked by Villa defenders.
FW Divock Origi, 6 -- Replaced Wijnaldum on 65 minutes and fired a dangerous effort just over the bar on the turn.