LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, September 26, 2015: Liverpool's Daniel Sturridge celebrates scoring the third goal against Aston Villa during the Premier League match at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Liverpool 3-2 Aston Villa: Player Ratings

Following Liverpool’s 3-2 win over Aston Villa at Anfield on Saturday afternoon, we rate each Reds player on the day.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, September 26, 2015: Liverpool's James Milner celebrates after the 3-2 victory over Aston Villa during the Premier League match at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Liverpool 3–2 Aston Villa

Premier League – Anfield – Saturday 26th September 2015

Goals: Milner (2), Sturridge (58 & 67); Gestede (65 & 71)

Simon Mignolet– 6

The Belgian was relatively untroubled throughout the contest, but dealt well with the danger whenever he was called upon.

He could do nothing about either of Rudi Gestede’s well-taken goals.

Emre Can– 5.5

Not the most convincing of displays from the young German, who blew hot and cold in his right-sided centre-back role.

A poor clearance almost led to Gestede equalising for Villa in the first-half, and he was rather erratic at the back on several occasions. Could arguably have done better for Gestede’s second goal.

Martin Skrtel- 6.5

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, September 26, 2015: Liverpool's Martin Skrtel in action against Aston Villa during the Premier League match at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

A reliable performance by the Slovakian, who once again looked more comfortable in a back-three.

Skrtel’s role in the system allows him to focus solely on defending, and he did that pretty well from start to finish.

Mamadou Sakho- 7

It seems ridiculous that Sakho couldn’t get into the Liverpool side earlier on in the season, and he was once again a formidable presence at the back.

The Frenchman was classy in possession, using the ball intelligently, but he was also relatively faultless defensively.

He did play his part in the Reds conceding twice though, and like Skrtel, he was given a tough afternoon by the dangerous Gestede.

Nathaniel Clyne– 6

Clyne has become Mr Solid for the Reds, but more needs to be expected of him in an attacking sense when deployed as a wing-back.

The 24-year-old was rock solid defensively, but rather ineffective going forward. It’s hard to be critical though, and he continues to be a sizeable upgrade on Glen Johnson.

Lucas Leiva– 7.5

An extremely impressive afternoon from the Brazilian, who was arguably Liverpool’s star man.

Time and time again he broke up the visitors’ attacking forays, and he was a hugely calming influence at the heart of the midfield.

James Milner– 7

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, September 26, 2015: Liverpool's James Milner scores the first goal against Aston Villa during the Premier League match at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Following some poor performances by his standards in recent weeks, Milner was impressive against Villa.

The England international took his second-minute goal expertly, and was influential from start to finish. Assisted Daniel Sturridge‘s first goal. A welcome return to form.

Alberto Moreno– 6

Moreno’s form has been refreshing since returning to the side, but he was solid rather than spectacular against Tim Sherwood’s side.

The Spaniard got forward well on occasions, and his defensive work looks better than it did last season.

Philippe Coutinho– 7

Deployed in a slightly deeper midfield role, Coutinho wasn’t always at his best on the day, but he played a big part in the victory.

His flick to set up Sturridge’s second was absolutely delightful, and his creativity was eye-catching from start to finish.

Daniel Sturridge– 8

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, September 26, 2015: Liverpool's Daniel Sturridge scores the second goal against Aston Villa during the Premier League match at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

It’s hard to put into words how much the Reds have missed Sturridge.

Following a quiet first-half, the 26-year-old burst into life after the interval, scoring twice and cementing his place as possibly Liverpool’s most important player.

42 goals in 67 appearances for the Merseysiders is some return.

Danny Ings– 5.5

A very quiet afternoon for the popular Ings, who did absolutely nothing wrong but also failed to have an impact on proceedings.

The 23-year-old’s attitude in infectious, however, and you feel he will remain a key man as the season progresses.

Substitutes

Joe Allen (on for Strridge ’90)- n/a

Only on the pitch for a matter of seconds.

Brendan Rodgers- 7

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, September 26, 2015: Liverpool's manager Brendan Rodgers congratulates two-goal hero Daniel Sturridge as he substitutes the striker during the 3-2 Premier League victory over Aston Villa at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

The manager was under enormous pressure going into the game, and he deserves praise for the way his team played.

There was some flowing football and an undeniably improved attitude, and the fact that he didn’t have to make a substitution until the 90th minute is testament to that.

Rodgers may not have too long left in charge, but this was a good day at the office for him.

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Player ratings definitions: 10 = Faultless | 9 = Excellent | 8 = Very Good | 7 = Good | 6 = Average | 5 = Below Par | 4 = Bad | 3 = Very Bad | 2 Awful | 1 = Surely Not

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