Liverpool PLAYER RATINGS: Which Reds star was 'unplayable'? Who has nailed his place in Arne Slot's starting XI? But who looked slightly tired during win over Aston Villa

Liverpool took the first step on their road to recovery on Saturday night as Mohamed Salah and Ryan Gravenberch netted in a 2-0 win over Aston Villa.

After four Premier League defeats in a row for the champions, they will hope they have now turned a corner and can at least put pressure on runaway leaders Arsenal in a bid to retain their title.

Daily Mail Sport's LEWIS STEELE was at Anfield to run the rule over Liverpool's players...

LIVERPOOL (4-2-3-1)

Giorgi Mamardashvili - 7

Had to make some big saves in the first half, most notably to deny Matty Cash with a deflected effort from distance. Has been solid despite overall poor form from team-mates.

Conor Bradley - 7

Some loose touches and not perfect but this was Bradley's best outing for a long while. Defensively solid and linked up well with Salah down the right flank.

Ibrahima Konate - 7.5

Like Bradley, this was Konate's best game of the season. He bullied Ollie Watkins and made some big blocks when Villa had forays forward.

Virgil van Dijk - 7

Great defending early on to deny Evann Guessand when he had made a dangerous run into the penalty area. A good display. Booked.

Andy Robertson - 7.5

Must be in the XI from now on, as harsh as that sounds towards Milos Kerkez. The Scotland captain attacked with menace and kept Villa quiet at the other end.

Ryan Gravenberch - 8

Mercurial midfielder was also back to his best and, though he may have had a hint of fortune with a deflected shot for his goal, Gravenberch made his luck with a pleasing performance on and off the ball.

Alexis Mac Allister - 7

Much better from the Argentine, too. Slowly getting back to full fitness. His best form is still not back but this was a good step.

Mohamed Salah - 9 (MOTM)

Salah was unplayable and this was his best game of the season by some distance. Those writing him off may want to think again. A composed goal and was a menace throughout.

Dominik Szoboszlai - 8.5

The Hungary captain has been Liverpool's player of the season and that form continued here. He was effervescent on and off the ball. Just pipped to the man of the match award by Salah. Booked.

Cody Gakpo - 7.5

Looked dangerous in the first half and caused a number of problems for Villa. A few loose touches and shots but a good display overall.

Hugo Ekitike - 6.5

Hard luck to be offside for a nice headed goal in the first half, which he took well. Some nice link-up with fellow attackers but looked slightly tired in the second half.

Substitutes

Florian Wirtz (for Ekitike 77)

Not used: Freddie Woodman, Armin Pecsi, Joe Gomez, Wataru Endo, Milos Kerkez, Federico Chiesa, Trey Nyoni, Rio Ngumoha.

Manager

Arne Slot - 8