Liverpool’s famous roar returned to Anfield after weeks of frustration. Manager Arne Slot credited the fans for helping his team rediscover their fighting spirit.
The Dutchman had been under mounting pressure following six defeats in seven games across all competitions. But his side answered with a convincing 2-0 victory over Aston Villa. Goals from Mohamed Salah and Ryan Gravenberch ended a four-match Premier League losing streak and reignited belief among the supporters.
The win lifted Liverpool back to third place and brought energy and confidence back to Anfield.
Anfield Faithful Stand by Slot
Even at 0-0, the Kop stood behind their manager. They sang his name and showed the faith that defines Liverpool supporters. Slot, who guided the club to the title in his first season, was moved by the support. “It means a lot,” he said. “It happened when we weren’t leading, when we were in a tough moment. That’s what makes this club so special.”
Slot said the fans understood the situation. “They know when the team needs them most,” he added. “They don’t forget what we achieved together. Their belief lifts everyone.”
Salah’s Milestone Moment
Before kick-off, Slot and captain Virgil van Dijk had admitted performances had fallen below expectations. Leaders Arsenal sat seven points clear and hadn’t conceded since September. But the win over Villa changed the mood ahead of huge matches against Real Madrid and Manchester City.
Salah struck just before half-time after a rare mistake from Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez. The Egyptian star calmly slotted the ball into an empty net, scoring his 250th goal for Liverpool. Only Ian Rush and Roger Hunt have reached that mark before him.
“To score 250 goals for one club is almost unbelievable,” said Slot. “He worked hard in attack and defence. It was a complete display.”
Since joining from Roma in 2017, Salah has won every major trophy with Liverpool, including the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, League Cup, Uefa Super Cup, and Fifa Club World Cup.
Although he has only four league goals this season, Slot will feel encouraged. Salah looked dangerous again, cutting in from the right and tormenting Lucas Digne throughout. Liverpool’s ambitions depend on him regaining his sharpest form.
Salah Reflects on His Return to Form
Speaking after the match, Salah admitted it had been a challenging spell. “It’s very important to win today,” he told TNT Sports. “We’ve had a few losses in the Premier League and Champions League. I’m happy we’re back on track before important games.”
He said the team is still growing. “It’s a tricky season,” he explained. “We have new players who need time to adapt. We lost others too. It takes time to build chemistry, but we’ll get there.”
On his milestone, he added proudly: “It feels great to score for a club like Liverpool. I’m proud and grateful for every goal.”
Van Dijk Urges Calm Amid Criticism
Van Dijk helped secure Liverpool’s first clean sheet since mid-September and reminded his teammates to ignore outside noise. “There’s so much talk we can’t control,” he said. “Some of it is ridiculous, but we stay focused. We stick together as a team.”
He noted how quickly opinions shift. “Last season, when things weren’t perfect, everything still felt positive. Now, after a few defeats, people act like we’re collapsing. That’s football.”
Hope Returns to Anfield
Former Premier League legend Alan Shearer praised Liverpool’s response on the Match of the Day programme. “It wasn’t perfect but it was much better,” he said. “They deserved the win. They needed it to rebuild belief and confidence. This looked more like the Liverpool we know.”
As the final whistle blew, the Kop sang Bob Marley’s “Don’t worry about a thing, because every little thing is gonna be alright.”
After weeks of tension, Anfield finally believed that better days are coming again.
