Mohamed Salah scored his 250th goal for Liverpool as the club ended a four-match Premier League losing run with a 2-0 victory over Aston Villa at Anfield on Saturday.
Salah struck shortly before half-time after a costly mistake from Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, becoming only the third player in Liverpool’s history to reach the 250-goal milestone, joining Ian Rush and Roger Hunt. Ryan Gravenberch sealed the result midway through the second half with a deflected effort, securing Liverpool’s first league win since Sept. 20.
The victory provided much-needed relief for head coach Arne Slot, who had come under pressure following six defeats in seven games across all competitions, including a midweek Carabao Cup exit to Crystal Palace. The performance marked Liverpool’s first clean sheet in 11 matches, a return to the defensive solidity that characterized their title-winning form last season.
Villa began strongly and twice hit the woodwork in the opening 20 minutes. Morgan Rogers curled a low effort against the post, while Matty Cash’s deflected cross nearly looped into the top corner before goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili tipped it onto the crossbar. However, Liverpool gradually grew into the game and capitalized on Villa’s mistake to take control.
Salah’s milestone goal arrived in the 43rd minute when Martínez misplaced a pass directly into the Egyptian’s path, allowing him to roll the ball into an empty net. Gravenberch, returning from injury, made it 2-0 after his strike deflected off Pau Torres and left Martínez wrong-footed in the 58th minute.
Despite early promise, Villa’s four-match winning streak ended as Unai Emery’s side failed to convert their early dominance into goals. Ross Barkley missed their best late opportunity to reduce the deficit.
For Liverpool, the result halted a worrying slide and reaffirmed their attacking sharpness and defensive structure. Salah’s milestone underscored his enduring influence as one of the Premier League’s most consistent scorers, while Slot’s side regained momentum heading into a congested run of fixtures.
Key Facts:
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Score: Liverpool 2–0 Aston Villa
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Goals: Salah (43’), Gravenberch (58’)
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Salah’s milestone: 250th goal for Liverpool
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Clean sheet: First in 11 matches
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Liverpool’s last league win: Sept. 20
