Ian Doyle with the Liverpool player ratings and scores from the Premier League clash at Aston Villa on Friday evening
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - MAY 15: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Alexis Mac Allister of Liverpool reacts during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Liverpool at Villa Park on May 15, 2026 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Alexis Mac Allister reacts during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Liverpool at Villa Park on May 15, 2026(Image: Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
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Liverpool suffered another pathetic defeat as they were thumped 4-2 at Aston Villa in the Premier League on Friday evening. Virgil van Dijk's brace was rendered meaningless as Ollie Watkins scored twice and Morgan Rogers and John McGinn also netted as the hosts booked their place in the Champions League next season.
The result means Arne Slot's side still have work to do to follow the Midlanders and will most likely have to beat Brentford at home on the final day on Sunday week.
The ECHO was in attendance at Villa Park and here we run the rule over the performances of the Liverpool players.
Giorgi Mamardashvili 6
Didn’t deal with ball convincingly on one foray outside box first half but good saves to deny Watkins. Unlucky for third goal but this wasn't his night.
Joe Gomez 5
Not always the most convincing in possession and a few tricky moments defensively. Booked and subbed.
Ibrahima Konate 5
Kept on his toes by livewire Villa attack early on until easing into game and physicality required second half as Liverpool took chances at the back before part of the late collapse.
Virgil van Dijk 6
Lost Watkins for early Villa chance but otherwise defended on front foot and aerial prowess dominant, most notably with his two goals.
Milos Kerkez 5
Looked to build a partnership with Ngumoha down the left flank and plenty of endeavour and one good tackle prevented certain Villa goal. Was given a lot to do late on and could have got nearer McGinn for fourth.
Ryan Gravenberch 5
Began a lot deeper than the other Liverpool midfielders in an attempt to protect back four and one shot parried before disappearing. Subbed.
Curtis Jones 5
Ostensibly started on the right flank but spent much of his time everywhere else where ability to maintain and use possession helped. Moved to right-back in final quarter but was too often missing.
Dominik Szoboszlai 5
Probably guilty of trying a bit too hard at times but solicited decent stop by Martinez from range. Created both Van Dijk goals but slip to invite Villa to regain lead was pivotal moment in match.
Alexis Mac Allister 4
Slow to react at times in early stages but became a bit more of an influence towards interval and glanced header over. More bothered with annoying Villa players by the end rather than doing anything positive.
Rio Ngumoha 7
Gradually began to win battle with Cash down Liverpool left and caused problems with ability to skip past defenders and cut inside. Struck the post and will have benefited from full 90 minutes.
Cody Gakpo 5
Forced to plough a lone furrow for much of the first half without much quality service but kept at it with diminishing returns after interval. Subbed.
SUBS
Federico Chiesa (for Gomez 66) 4
Committed an early foul and massively off the pace.
Florian Wirtz (for Gravenberch 66) 5
Ran about a little bit, so should be fit for next week.
Mohamed Salah (for Gakpo 74) 4
Difficult to recall any meaningful touch.