Liverpool had six different players on the scoresheet as they recorded their biggest victory at Aston Villa’s ground since 1925.Long before the opening whistle went at Villa Park, the vibrant away section were expectant. With Daniel Sturridge, Roberto Firmino and Philippe Coutinho all starting together for the first time, they knew Liverpool finally had an abundance of quality in the final third.

A hapless Aston Villa side were the perfect opposition to remedy a negative goal difference and a string of poor league results. In the glow of highly misleading Sunday afternoon sunshine, the visitors played some exhilarating football without ever needing to be at full tilt as their hosts were abysmal.

Liverpool love playing at Villa Park and on Valentine’s Day they treated their supporters to half a dozen goals. It could have been more. Six different scorers contributed to the slaughter as the Reds recorded their biggest win at the ground since a 4-1 victory in January 1925. It wasn’t just their attacking performance that was impressive, as they also managed to pick up their only league clean sheet of the year.

Sturridge, starting his first league game since October, headed in a sublime Coutinho delivery to kick start the rout. James Milner’s free-kick evaded everyone to double Liverpool’s advantage and after the interval, Emre Can, Nathaniel Clyne, Divock Origi and Kolo Toure also ousted Villa’s defence. 

It was easy to see why Remi Garde’s men are bottom of the league, they offered absolutely nothing up front and were close to invisible on occasion at the back. As a result it would be unwise to read too much into Liverpool’s dominance in this encounter, but Jurgen Klopp will be encouraged that his side were able to punish Villa’s inadequacies with such authority.

Since arriving on Merseyside in October, the manager has not had the luxury of fielding the bulk of his best players due to injuries until Sunday. And given the number of difference makers they had on the pitch, it was clear Liverpool possessed increased confidence and swagger.

If Coutinho, Sturridge and Firmino can operate in tandem for the majority of the remaining games, the Reds will look and feel a more formidable prospect.

Goal.com…..

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