Liverpool push Villa closer to relegation

Mane and Jones on target for champions against Villa as City lose to Southampton

Newly crowned English Premier League champions recovered from their midweek humiliation at the hands of deposed Manchester City to make it 17 wins out of 17 at Anfield this season with a 2-0 win over Aston Villa yesterday, which pushed Dean Smith’s side deeper into trouble.

However, it was City’s turn to suffer the reversal at the hands of Southampton in a late clash last night. Che Adams netted the winner in the 16th minute to give The Saints a 1-0 win.

After their 4-0 mauling at the hands of City on Thursday, Jurgen Klopp’s side still looked a little out of sorts as they struggled to break down a determined Villa.

Klopp fielded another strong side but with the ground empty and the title already in the bag, there was a lack of edge to Liverpool’s play.

The visitors were solid and organised and could even have gone ahead in the 52nd minute when Anwar El Ghazi forced a fine save out of Alisson.

But Sadio Mane broke the deadlock in the 71st minute, meeting a low ball from Naby Keita with a firm shot that rattled in off the underside of the cross-bar.

Substitute Curtis Jones scored the second, a minute from the end, with the 19 year old hooking home after Mohammad Salah headed an Andy Robertson cross into his path.

Villa, who have now lost 20 games, remain deep in relegation trouble, in 18th place on 27 points and they have yet to win since the resumption of the season, their winless streak going back nine games.

“I don’t want to be a valiant loser because we are scrapping for points and we are running out of games,” said Smith.