The match between Liverpool and Aston Villa ended in a 1-1 draw at Anfield. The visitors had an opportunity to go ahead from a penalty, but Ollie Watkins missed the target.
Interestingly, it was Watkins' own efforts that led to the penalty in the first place. Liverpool's midfield was once again exposed too easily, but the English striker showed great skill in timing his run and engaging Ibrahima Konaté, who committed a clumsy foul.
Shortly after, Watkins found himself in another sprint, this time facing Virgil van Dijk. The exceptional Dutch defender executed a perfectly timed challenge, extinguishing the threat.
As Van Dijk got back up, he cast a stern gaze at his teammates. It seemed as though he was saying to Konaté, "That's how it's done." To the rest of the team, it was an unspoken reprimand for allowing Aston Villa to break through so easily.
Despite Liverpool's collective defensive shortcomings, it’s good to see something of the Van Dijk aura return.
