Liverpool are the reigning Premier League champions but they have been poor in recent games especially in the Premier League but they were able to put their poor league run behind them by getting back to winning ways in the FA Cup third round meeting with Aston Villa. It must be pointed out that the Reds were given a helping hand after their hosts featured youth players. Aston Villa had to turn to the young players after Covid-19 broke out in their first team squad. A lot of their first team players have tested positive for the virus.

The young Aston Villa players were no match for the Liverpool players as expected. The Reds won the game 4-1 to end their three-game winless run. The barren run started with the disappointing 1-1 draw at home to Premier League strugglers West Brom as Liverpool dropped points for the first time at home in the league this season.

The West Brom match in the league was followed by another league draw, a goalless draw at the home of Newcastle United. Liverpool then suffered their second league defeat of the season with the 1-0 loss at Southampton. England international Danny Ings scored the only goal of the game in the opening minutes of the Premier League encounter to condemn Liverpool to a run of three games without a win in the league and in all competitions. That run ended with the big win over hosts Aston Villa.

Sadio Mane scored twice during the game, while the likes of Dutch international GeorginioWijnaldum and Egyptian international attacker Mohamed Salah were also on target for the Reds. Hot Aston Villa prospect Louie Barry scored the lone goal of the game for the Villa youngsters. Aston Villa’s u-23 manager Mark Delaney was on the touchline for the midlands club in the absence of first team manager Dean Smith.