Liverpool made the trip to the Midlands and may as well have not bothered, soundly beaten by an Aston Villa side who have now confirmed Champions League football, unlike their visitors.
Aston Villa 4-2 Liverpool
Premier League (37) | Villa Park
May 15, 2026
Goals: Rogers 42′, Watkins 57′, 73′, McGinn 89′; Van Dijk 52′, 90+2′
Giorgi Mamardashvili – 6 (out of 10)
Still doesn’t look at ease in a Liverpool shirt.
With his big, imposing frame always seems to come the feeling that he somehow doesn’t reach full stretch. Such was the case for Morgan Rogers’ opener, though the big Georgian did well to deny Ollie Watkins one-on-one, mere minutes after the striker had put Villa back in front.
Grew in stature and pulled off some remarkable reflex saves in the second half, but Liverpool’s lacklustre desire still left him peppered.
Will still improve over time but needs a large measure of confidence which his team-mates simply aren’t giving him. Having four put past him by what should be an inferior opponent is never likely to help.
Joe Gomez – 4
Looked dynamic and tried to give an option down the flank as much as possible. Will never be an out-and-out right back, but is perhaps the option Liverpool should have stuck with there all season following the injury to Conor Bradley.
Not comfortable enough in possession, hooked just after the hour mark.
Ibrahima Konate – 4
Didn’t look calm and composed as the Villa front line got into their stride. Poor communication with the full-backs, which appears to be a growing trend.
Always struggles up against Ollie Watkins.
Virgil van Dijk – 5
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - Friday, May 15, 2026: Liverpool's captain Virgil van Dijk celebrates after scoring his side's first and equalising goal following the VAR check during the FA Premier League match between Aston Villa FC and Liverpool FC at Villa Park. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Started gingerly and gave Watkins far too much space on numerous occasions. It felt a bit non-committal from the skipper, though he came good when powering the Reds back into the contest with a trademark set piece header.
Generally looked like a mere mortal however, as Liverpool slid into their usual monotony. Still one of the best players in this team which we now struggle to recognise.
Conceded four so has to have a low mark, despite his two goals.
Milos Kerkez – 4
Lively and looked to get things moving out wide, though over-zealous in possession multiple times. Tried to create an understanding with Ngumoha to help the youngster into space.
A willing worker, but not one to fill people with confidence when things get careless at the back.
Passive for the fourth goal, like the rest of the team.
Alexis Mac Allister – 3
Same old story for Mac Allister, looked largely pedestrian and missing a beat or three. Slow to react, always seems frustrated, threw himself to the ground once more in a fit of hysterics looking to get Ezri Konsa sent off – an embarrassing look.
Has been out of sync for quite some time now and seriously needs the pick-me-up of a World Cup with the Argentina national side to get him back in sorts. Unrecognisable these days.
Ryan Gravenberch – 3
Was up against a Villa midfield each playing for their starting place in the Europa League final, and it showed.
Looked second best against opposition of which he should be more than superior. Subbed off for an early shower, predictably.
Dominik Szoboszlai – 5
Ran strong in possession and seemed a real issue for Villa who couldn’t get a tackle in on him. Yet again, however, the disjointed nature of everyone around him meant his efforts were futile.
Put in a lovely set-piece for Van Dijk’s goal, but left red-faced when slipping to allow Watkins through on goal for an easy gift.
Curtis Jones – 5
Did a lot of the menial work in the early stages and was responsible for the better moments of Liverpool getting possession moving, but ultimately couldn’t provide the spark this seemingly lost bunch of footballers needed.
Rio Ngumoha – 8
These are testing times all round, so for Ngumoha to constantly look like Liverpool’s most threatening and able weapon says it all.
Found himself targeted regularly by Villa, testament to his rising status in the Premier League.
Was desperately unlucky not to be on the score sheet again after cutting inside in now trademark fashion, but denied by the base of the post from range.
Many young players would shrink on the occasion, with their team underperforming like Liverpool are, but not Ngumoha.
Given the context, a high rating for a teenager who was the only one to impress when surrounded by senior pros.
Cody Gakpo – 3
Pointless playing him up front solo.
We said it against Chelsea, we’ll say it again here. What Arne Slot expects from the emergency Gakpo focal point project is anybody’s guess. Did nothing and was subbed off.
Overall Team Performance – 3
Substitutes
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - Friday, May 15, 2026: Liverpool's Mohamed Salah reacts to conceding their side's fourth goal during the FA Premier League match between Aston Villa FC and Liverpool FC at Villa Park. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Federico Chiesa (on for Gomez, 65′) – 4 – Looked immediately out of position after arriving, letting Villa in behind down their left flank repeatedly. Had a couple of neat combinations but never threatened the hosts.
Florian Wirtz (on for Gravenberch, 65′) – 4 – Nice touches that counted for little. Arrived into a fixture that Villa had already got a tight grip upon, and one that Liverpool had already seemingly given up with.
Mohamed Salah (on for Gakpo, 74′) – 5 – A sad way for this living legend to play out his final ever away game for Liverpool. Clearly still short of match fitness as the farewell tour concludes. Horrible to see it ending like this.
Subs not used: Woodman, Wright, Nyoni, Ndiaye, McConnell, Robertson
Arne Slot – 3
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - Friday, May 15, 2026: Liverpool's head coach Arne Slot before the FA Premier League match between Aston Villa FC and Liverpool FC at Villa Park. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Slot put out a passive team, got passive football and saw Liverpool beaten again.
Everyone saw it coming, but it doesn’t make it any easier to take. Looked like a deer in the headlights on the touchline as Liverpool slid towards another defeat, 12 now in the league this season.
Liverpool may have a multitude of injuries but they’re still able to put out a team of 11 footballers, and every single weekend said 11 footballers just don’t look up for it, at all.
Going to Villa, a Champions League qualification rival, and rolling over to let them achieve it in style and celebrate right in front of your face? A truly terrible look.
Liverpool look badly coached, as they have for months now. There are no mitigating circumstances for the repeated problems in-match every week.