birminghammail--2020-07-05--Morrison and Parker gush about Lee Camp's performance at Fulham

Birmingham City were devastated by the circumstances of their 1-0 loss to Fulham yesterday .
Pep Clotet ’ s men came within one minute of what would have been an admirable point against a team fighting for promotion .
However , they were undone by Josh Onomah ’ s late , late strike – a result that boosted the Whites but saw Blues slip to a second straight defeat .
Sign up for our Blues newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here One man who would have felt especially disappointed was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the final ten minutes and deserved to keep his sheet clean .
That ’ s certainly the view of Clinton Morrison who noted how well the 35-year-old played , especially when denying Onomah and Bobby Decordova-Reid in the space of a few seconds .
“ He will be gutted to be on the losing team because I though Birmingham did really well , ” Morrison told EFL on Quest .
“ The save from Bobby Decordova-Reid is superb , the reaction , you work like this as goalkeepers ‘ get up instantly ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ You see all of his team-mates going around him .
Birmingham were unfortunate there , I thought they did well.
” Camp ’ s performance was not lost on Fulham boss Scott Parker either .
“ There is a sense of relief , as the game goes on , you miss some big chances , and the keeper pulls off an amazing double save , ” Parker said .
“ You start wondering if it is not your day .
It was tough .
We came up against a team who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
At times the game was played in their half .
“ It ’ s a massive win for us , the way things have panned out in terms of lockdown , the games we have left .
”

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Birmingham City were devastated by the circumstances of their 1-0 loss to Fulham yesterday.
Pep Clotet’s men came within one minute of what would have been an admirable point against a team fighting for promotion.
However, they were undone by Josh Onomah’s late, late strike – a result that boosted the Whites but saw Blues slip to a second straight defeat.
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One man who would have felt especially disappointed was Lee Camp who produced some heroics in the final ten minutes and deserved to keep his sheet clean.
That’s certainly the view of Clinton Morrison who noted how well the 35-year-old played, especially when denying Onomah and Bobby Decordova-Reid in the space of a few seconds.
“He will be gutted to be on the losing team because I though Birmingham did really well,” Morrison told EFL on Quest.
“The save from Bobby Decordova-Reid is superb, the reaction, you work like this as goalkeepers ‘get up instantly’. It’s a tremendous save.
“You see all of his team-mates going around him. Birmingham were unfortunate there, I thought they did well.”
Camp’s performance was not lost on Fulham boss Scott Parker either.
“There is a sense of relief, as the game goes on, you miss some big chances, and the keeper pulls off an amazing double save,” Parker said.
“You start wondering if it is not your day. It was tough. We came up against a team who came here to play for a draw. At times the game was played in their half.
“It’s a massive win for us, the way things have panned out in terms of lockdown, the games we have left.”


birminghammail--2020-07-05--Pep Clotet storms at latest Birmingham City set-back

Pep Clotet could not hide his disappointment as Birmingham City slipped to a last gasp defeat at Fulham yesterday .
Josh Onomah ’ s 95th minute winner meant Blues ’ brave defensive action counted for nothing as they contemplated another game without victory .
The head coach discussed the manner of the defeat , a strong penalty shout and what he wants from the EFL .
PC : I ’ m devastated for the players and the fans .
We selected a team that carried out the game plan perfectly .
We needed to sort some things out from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make sure we started the game strongly and be focused and put right some mistakes we had done from defensive set-plays .
On both of those we did very well .
We knew Fulham very well , we wanted to force Odoi ’ s side into stress to force them to move the ball around those areas , I think Scott Hogan did that very well forcing them on that side .
I think Dan Crowley and Maxime were put under defensive stress but we were comfortable we won a lot of balls @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the breaks we wanted to .
Sign up for our Blues newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here I am devastated because I think it ’ s completely unfair .
I think it was us who had the most clear cut chances in the game and it ’ s one of those games you need to make sure you put in one or two chances .
I think we could easily have done that in the first half and possibly we should have had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to half time with 0-0 and knew our gameplan was working very well .
Fulham would risk more and finished the game attacking with eight players – that put us into a situation of having a lot of defending to do .
We were forced to do a few subs because all the legs were getting heavier and all the subs helped the team to become strong defensively , blocking the game 5-4-1 I thought we would see the game out .
I think they were very good on the play of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all kinds of defensive systems , it ’ s unfair but sometimes that happens .
We had the chances to make it clear we deserved a point or if not more .
But I think we completely bounced back from a performance point of view from the last two games .
Unfortunately and completely unfair the result was for Fulham today because we didn ’ t take our chances to take more .
I am pretty sure our performances will get better and our confidence is in tact after that performance and now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a result against Swansea on Wednesday .
PC : It was a physical element , Jeremie played the full game on Wednesday and I could not risk an injury to him .
I think it was sensible to take him off .
And Scott as well has been playing every game since West Brom – of course with Jukey and Harlee coming on you would expect us to hold that defensive position a little bit better .
At that moment the game was very difficult with Fulham pushing with eight or nine players @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have the chance to try break apart from set plays – and we thought Harlee and Juke helped us in that department .
Unfortunately we didn ’ t have the chance on the set play .
Was it a clear penalty for you ?
PC : That ’ s what my staff told me .
Another one that hasn ’ t gone for you this season ?
PC : We are used to it .
Possibly we are not being even in penalties in this season because we had a lot against and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them are clear .
But that ’ s how the ref understands it and I totally respect when he comes in and says ‘ I did not see it ’ .
PC : I am very pleased with the backline who started the game , they all did very well .
Marc especially being his first game there was that added pressure on him to understand the difficulties of what this moment requires .
I would give a ten out of ten to him and Ivan Sunjic – to the whole team really @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the bottom three creeping closer ?
PC : Two things to say , I never look over my shoulder , I always want to look at what ’ s in front of me and think that ‘ If we had won we would be in this position ’ .
With developments lately I read the statement from the EFL and I think it is very clear Wigan will get that deduction that changes the landscape a little bit and put relegation on 41 .
That said what I want for Birmingham is to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bouncing back with results .
It ’ s about the mentality to keep working , scoring our chances and taking points .
The same the game after .
PC : I think their ( Fulham ’ s ) first shot on target was the 65th minute .
We showed a lot of energy today and put our bodies on the line to defend a result .
In the first-half we created enough chances to take the lead but unfortunately , they didn ’ t go in .
I thought we were on our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scored their goal from a good piece of play .
It ’ s completely unfair for our team , but that ’ s how the game is .
But I have to praise our players today .
PC : It ’ s not easy to create that many chances against a team like Fulham .
The chances we had were clear , we hit the woodwork , we had one vs one with the ‘ keeper .
We needed to convert one of those chances , but I know that ’ s sometimes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had scored one of those early chances the game would have changed completely .
But the important thing for us as a team is that we are creating good chances .
PC : He was very good .
It was the kind of game which I thought would suit him very well and he would be a big asset for us .
PC : In life clarity is always good , I don ’ t know the extent of all the rules , I just read the statement and the statement states very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But I am not an expert if that should be applied now or next season – but clarity is always good .
Sometimes it is not easy to act with clarity I understand but it is something that football will benefit from .
I respect the work of the EFL , I assume it is not easy , we had an example with players who were on loan and are back because their season has been curtailed , I thought the regulation was clear because it is easy to apply but it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , impossible – like a blackhole .
Unfortunately that does not help football .
We are talking about rules and regulations of clubs getting bankrupt for the fairness of the competition and I am sorry what happened because the last people deserving that is everybody at Wigan .
But rules are rules , I think clarity will be much appreciated for everyone – definitely .
But it doesn ’ t change my mentality because I am not looking over my shoulder , the only thing is I am seeing it as a platform @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as possible .
We are only three points away from where we finished last season and we want to get to that point as soon as possible with games to go .

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Pep Clotet could not hide his disappointment as Birmingham City slipped to a last gasp defeat at Fulham yesterday.
Josh Onomah’s 95th minute winner meant Blues’ brave defensive action counted for nothing as they contemplated another game without victory.
The head coach discussed the manner of the defeat, a strong penalty shout and what he wants from the EFL.
Here’s the transcript.
Match analysis
PC: I’m devastated for the players and the fans. We selected a team that carried out the game plan perfectly. We needed to sort some things out from the last two games. We needed to make sure we started the game strongly and be focused and put right some mistakes we had done from defensive set-plays. On both of those we did very well.
We knew Fulham very well, we wanted to force Odoi’s side into stress to force them to move the ball around those areas, I think Scott Hogan did that very well forcing them on that side. I think Dan Crowley and Maxime were put under defensive stress but we were comfortable we won a lot of balls back in the first half and start the breaks we wanted to.
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I am devastated because I think it’s completely unfair. I think it was us who had the most clear cut chances in the game and it’s one of those games you need to make sure you put in one or two chances. I think we could easily have done that in the first half and possibly we should have had a penalty as well.
We got to half time with 0-0 and knew our gameplan was working very well. Fulham would risk more and finished the game attacking with eight players – that put us into a situation of having a lot of defending to do.
We were forced to do a few subs because all the legs were getting heavier and all the subs helped the team to become strong defensively, blocking the game 5-4-1 I thought we would see the game out.
I think they were very good on the play of the goal – that one touch will beat all kinds of defensive systems, it’s unfair but sometimes that happens. We had the chances to make it clear we deserved a point or if not more.
But I think we completely bounced back from a performance point of view from the last two games. Unfortunately and completely unfair the result was for Fulham today because we didn’t take our chances to take more.
I am pretty sure our performances will get better and our confidence is in tact after that performance and now it is time to bounce back with a result against Swansea on Wednesday.
Explain substitutions
PC: It was a physical element, Jeremie played the full game on Wednesday and I could not risk an injury to him. I think it was sensible to take him off.
And Scott as well has been playing every game since West Brom – of course with Jukey and Harlee coming on you would expect us to hold that defensive position a little bit better.
At that moment the game was very difficult with Fulham pushing with eight or nine players attacking, it was very difficult to have the chance to try break apart from set plays – and we thought Harlee and Juke helped us in that department.
Unfortunately we didn’t have the chance on the set play.
Was it a clear penalty for you?
PC: That’s what my staff told me.
Another one that hasn’t gone for you this season?
PC: We are used to it. Possibly we are not being even in penalties in this season because we had a lot against and almost none for – and some of them are clear.
But that’s how the ref understands it and I totally respect when he comes in and says ‘I did not see it’.
Marc Roberts' return
PC: I am very pleased with the backline who started the game, they all did very well. Marc especially being his first game there was that added pressure on him to understand the difficulties of what this moment requires.
I would give a ten out of ten to him and Ivan Sunjic – to the whole team really.
Look at the table and see the bottom three creeping closer?
PC: Two things to say, I never look over my shoulder, I always want to look at what’s in front of me and think that ‘If we had won we would be in this position’.
With developments lately I read the statement from the EFL and I think it is very clear Wigan will get that deduction that changes the landscape a little bit and put relegation on 41.
That said what I want for Birmingham is to keep bouncing back with performances and keep bouncing back with results. It’s about the mentality to keep working, scoring our chances and taking points. The same the game after.
A lot more solid defensively...
PC: I think their (Fulham’s) first shot on target was the 65th minute. We showed a lot of energy today and put our bodies on the line to defend a result.
In the first-half we created enough chances to take the lead but unfortunately, they didn’t go in.
I thought we were on our way to getting a point when Fulham scored their goal from a good piece of play. It’s completely unfair for our team, but that’s how the game is. But I have to praise our players today.
Missing chances
PC: It’s not easy to create that many chances against a team like Fulham. The chances we had were clear, we hit the woodwork, we had one vs one with the ‘keeper.
We needed to convert one of those chances, but I know that’s sometimes easier said than done. If we had scored one of those early chances the game would have changed completely.
But the important thing for us as a team is that we are creating good chances.
Ivan Sunjic return
PC: He was very good. It was the kind of game which I thought would suit him very well and he would be a big asset for us.
Clarity from EFL
PC: In life clarity is always good, I don’t know the extent of all the rules, I just read the statement and the statement states very clearly they will get a 12-point deduction.
But I am not an expert if that should be applied now or next season – but clarity is always good.
Sometimes it is not easy to act with clarity I understand but it is something that football will benefit from.
I respect the work of the EFL, I assume it is not easy, we had an example with players who were on loan and are back because their season has been curtailed, I thought the regulation was clear because it is easy to apply but it just turned out to be a loophole, impossible – like a blackhole.
Unfortunately that does not help football.
We are talking about rules and regulations of clubs getting bankrupt for the fairness of the competition and I am sorry what happened because the last people deserving that is everybody at Wigan.
But rules are rules, I think clarity will be much appreciated for everyone – definitely.
But it doesn’t change my mentality because I am not looking over my shoulder, the only thing is I am seeing it as a platform, we want to finish as high as possible.
We are only three points away from where we finished last season and we want to get to that point as soon as possible with games to go.


birminghammail--2020-07-05--Every word Nuno said on Arsenal, Podence and Wolves' top four chances

Wolverhampton Wanderers suffered a rare defeat to Arsenal on Saturday night in a blow to their Champions League hopes .
Bukayo Saka and Alexandre Lacazette struck for the Gunners to seal a 2-0 win at Molineux and inflict Wolves ’ first Premier League defeat since January 23 .
Nuno Espirito Santo ’ s team lost ground on those above them after Leicester City , Manchester United and Chelsea all secured victories and can ill afford to slip up again if they are to gatecrash the top four .
Here ’ s everything Nuno said in his press conference post-Arsenal : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your email in the box at the top of the page or click here On the match itself “ It was not one of the best ones .
First half was not so good .
But the game was very balanced in the first half , not too many chances .
We did n't create many and Arsenal didn ’ t create many .
“ The first half was not too good .
Second half we started better , with urgency , on the front foot and created problems .
We had a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ went on it became dangerous with the counter-attack of Arsenal .
They ’ re a good team with talented players.
” “ The first one I think we were out of position and Arsenal has talented players .
The second one I can not judge because I was far away .
We have to look at them and the process is always the same .
“ We must become more clinical and better in our defensive process , like we have been doing .
“ It 's a game we need to work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see why we were not able to do things .
Arsenal are a good team but we need to be faster in our circulation to try and unbalance things .
We were better in the second half so that ’ s a good starting point.
” “ No , Daniel had to travel to Portugal to take care of something really important .
Personal issue that he had to solve .
The moment that he returned we had to follow the guidelines of the government .
He ’ s tested already .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to stay in his home.
” “ I don ’ t know the approach of Arsenal , I don ’ t know what Mikel wanted to do .
We faced a good team with talented players .
I can not tell you what the approach was.
” “ You can not control what is said outside .
We have to focus on ourselves - we never look at the table .
What guides us is our performance and how we want to achieve things , and today we didn ’ t do well @ @

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Wolverhampton Wanderers suffered a rare defeat to Arsenal on Saturday night in a blow to their Champions League hopes.
Bukayo Saka and Alexandre Lacazette struck for the Gunners to seal a 2-0 win at Molineux and inflict Wolves’ first Premier League defeat since January 23.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s team lost ground on those above them after Leicester City, Manchester United and Chelsea all secured victories and can ill afford to slip up again if they are to gatecrash the top four.
Here’s everything Nuno said in his press conference post-Arsenal:
Sign up for our Wolves newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here
On the match itself
“It was not one of the best ones. First half was not so good. But the game was very balanced in the first half, not too many chances. We didn't create many and Arsenal didn’t create many.
“The first half was not too good. Second half we started better, with urgency, on the front foot and created problems. We had a clear chance.
“As the game went on it became dangerous with the counter-attack of Arsenal. They’re a good team with talented players.”
Goals conceded
(Image: Richard Pelham NMCPool)
“The first one I think we were out of position and Arsenal has talented players. The second one I cannot judge because I was far away. We have to look at them and the process is always the same.
“We must become more clinical and better in our defensive process, like we have been doing.
“It's a game we need to work on. We have to analyse and see why we were not able to do things. Arsenal are a good team but we need to be faster in our circulation to try and unbalance things. We were better in the second half so that’s a good starting point.”
Daniel Podence
“No, Daniel had to travel to Portugal to take care of something really important. Personal issue that he had to solve. The moment that he returned we had to follow the guidelines of the government. He’s tested already. He’s tested negative but he has to stay in his home.”
Arsenal’s approach
“I don’t know the approach of Arsenal, I don’t know what Mikel wanted to do. We faced a good team with talented players. I cannot tell you what the approach was.”
Top four credentials
“You cannot control what is said outside. We have to focus on ourselves - we never look at the table. What guides us is our performance and how we want to achieve things, and today we didn’t do well.”


birminghammail--2020-07-05--Clinton Morrison picks Leeds above West Brom in Championship chase

Leeds United fans won ’ t believe they have beaten West Brom to the Championship and returned to the Premier League until the trophy is in Marcelo Bielsa ’ s hands and next season ’ s fixtures are published .
However , even the most nervy supporter would recognise they have taken another step towards a top flight return with yesterday ’ s 3-1 win over Blackburn Rovers .
That victory took them four points clear of Albion at the top of the table , with the Baggies due to face Hull today , and maintained the six point gap @ @ @ @ @ @ @ With five games remaining Leeds ’ fears are probably misplaced .
That ’ s certainly the view of pundit Clinton Morrison who believes Bielsa ’ s team are the best in the league – and that promotion is an inevitability .
Sign up for our Baggies newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here “ Listen to what I am going to say Leeds fans , I think you will definitely get promoted , ” Morrison told EFL on Quest .
“ You have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and it will be good to see Leeds back in the Premier League.
” Leeds and West Brom have been locked in a two-way battle for most of the season however both have wobbled since the resumption , while Brentford have won every game to close the gap .
Leeds ’ final five games sees them face relegation threatened Stoke , Barnsley and Charlton as well as games with Swansea and Derby .
Albion meanwhile host the Tigers today before playing Derby , Blackburn , Fulham , Huddersfield and QPR .

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Leeds United fans won’t believe they have beaten West Brom to the Championship and returned to the Premier League until the trophy is in Marcelo Bielsa’s hands and next season’s fixtures are published.
However, even the most nervy supporter would recognise they have taken another step towards a top flight return with yesterday’s 3-1 win over Blackburn Rovers.
That victory took them four points clear of Albion at the top of the table, with the Baggies due to face Hull today, and maintained the six point gap on Brentford’s relentless chase.
With five games remaining Leeds’ fears are probably misplaced.
That’s certainly the view of pundit Clinton Morrison who believes Bielsa’s team are the best in the league – and that promotion is an inevitability.
Sign up for our Baggies newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here
“Listen to what I am going to say Leeds fans, I think you will definitely get promoted,” Morrison told EFL on Quest.
“You have been probably the outstanding team in the Championship and it will be good to see Leeds back in the Premier League.”
Leeds and West Brom have been locked in a two-way battle for most of the season however both have wobbled since the resumption, while Brentford have won every game to close the gap.
Leeds’ final five games sees them face relegation threatened Stoke, Barnsley and Charlton as well as games with Swansea and Derby.
Albion meanwhile host the Tigers today before playing Derby, Blackburn, Fulham, Huddersfield and QPR.


birminghammail--2020-07-05--Klopp tipped to make surprise decision for Liverpool vs Aston Villa

Jurgen Klopp 's Liverpool side will host Aston Villa later today , their first game at Anfield since sealing the Premier League title .
The 30 year wait for a title was ended last week , with the Reds finally confirming their status as champions of England .
However , their first game as champions went badly wrong , with Manchester City thumping them 4-0 at The Etihad .
Sign up for our Villa newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here They will have the chance to right that wrong , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trip to Merseyside this afternoon .
Villa are desperate for points to help kick-start their battle against relegation .
Results went their way on Saturday , with Bournemouth , Watford and Norwich City all losing .
An unlikely win for Villa would see them leap out of the bottom three , with games running out to preserve their top-flight status .
There had been suggestions that Klopp could hand some of Liverpool 's talented youngsters a shine in the closing weeks , but there were fiercely dismissed by the German boss .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will not play because I want to see them in a Premier League game , '' he said .
`` It is not like giving appearances away like sweets , we have to make sure the best XI on that day are on the pitch .
And the other guys around them will come on .
“ But they are around , they are really close .
But we will not give Premier League games for free.
” However , our colleagues at the ECHO are expecting the Liverpool boss to spring a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Villa , with suggestions he could drop Roberto Firminio .
It is predicted that January signing Takumi Minamino , could come in for the Brazilian , with first choice left-back Andy Robertson also tipped to be given a much-needed rest .

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Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool side will host Aston Villa later today, their first game at Anfield since sealing the Premier League title.
The 30 year wait for a title was ended last week, with the Reds finally confirming their status as champions of England.
However, their first game as champions went badly wrong, with Manchester City thumping them 4-0 at The Etihad.
Sign up for our Villa newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here
They will have the chance to right that wrong, when Dean Smith's men make the trip to Merseyside this afternoon.
Villa are desperate for points to help kick-start their battle against relegation. Results went their way on Saturday, with Bournemouth, Watford and Norwich City all losing.
An unlikely win for Villa would see them leap out of the bottom three, with games running out to preserve their top-flight status.
There had been suggestions that Klopp could hand some of Liverpool's talented youngsters a shine in the closing weeks, but there were fiercely dismissed by the German boss.
“They are our future, but they will not play because I want to see them in a Premier League game," he said.
"It is not like giving appearances away like sweets, we have to make sure the best XI on that day are on the pitch. And the other guys around them will come on.
“But they are around, they are really close. But we will not give Premier League games for free.”
However, our colleagues at the ECHO are expecting the Liverpool boss to spring a few selection surprises for the visit of Villa, with suggestions he could drop Roberto Firminio.
It is predicted that January signing Takumi Minamino, could come in for the Brazilian, with first choice left-back Andy Robertson also tipped to be given a much-needed rest.
Predicted teams:
Liverpool (4-3-3): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Van Dijk, Milner; Henderson, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Keita; Salah, Minamino, Mane.
Villa (4-1-2-1-2) : Reina; Guilbert, Konsa, Mings, Hause; Douglas Luiz; McGinn, Nakamba; Grealish; Davis, El Ghazi.


birminghammail--2020-07-05--Liverpool fans react after Klopp's men deliver blow to Aston Villa

Aston Villa were handed another relegation blow on Sunday as they were defeated 2-0 by Premier League champions Liverpool .
Goals from Sadio Mane and Curtis Jones were enough to hand Liverpool three points , despite Villa 's spirited showing at Anfield .
Villa 's latest setback leaves them one point behind 17th-place Watford with five games to go .
Sign up for our Villa newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here Dean Smith 's men did n't lose any ground on their immediate rivals with Norwich City , Bournemouth and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But West Ham built on their impressive midweek win over Chelsea with another point against Newcastle United .
Despite another defeat , Villa earned plenty of plaudits from pundits and rival supporters for their showing on Merseyside .
@ TPW_RGW : `` Another three points , much better 2nd half what a wknd for Jones !
Alisson is just boss - that save at the end ... Classy guard of honour by Villa . ''
@ AdeelED : `` If Mignolet and Lovren were playing this game Villa might have won 3-2 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' @ Kyman92 : `` A touch of class and a show of respect from Villa today .
They did the guard of honour properly unlike City . ''
@ Dlm2131978 : `` A bit more quality from Villa and they take something from that game . ''

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Aston Villa were handed another relegation blow on Sunday as they were defeated 2-0 by Premier League champions Liverpool.
Goals from Sadio Mane and Curtis Jones were enough to hand Liverpool three points, despite Villa's spirited showing at Anfield.
Villa's latest setback leaves them one point behind 17th-place Watford with five games to go.
Sign up for our Villa newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here
Dean Smith's men didn't lose any ground on their immediate rivals with Norwich City, Bournemouth and Watford all suffering defeats on Saturday.
But West Ham built on their impressive midweek win over Chelsea with another point against Newcastle United.
Despite another defeat, Villa earned plenty of plaudits from pundits and rival supporters for their showing on Merseyside.
Here's a selection of comments from Liverpool supporters...
@TPW_RGW: "Another three points, much better 2nd half what a wknd for Jones! Alisson is just boss - that save at the end... Classy guard of honour by Villa."
Joseph Maxon: "Liverpool 2, Aston Villa 0. Send em down!"
@SixTimesLFC: "Jones > Grealish."
@AdeelED: "If Mignolet and Lovren were playing this game Villa might have won 3-2. Thank God for Allison and VVD."
@Kyman92: "A touch of class and a show of respect from Villa today. They did the guard of honour properly unlike City."
@Dlm2131978: "A bit more quality from Villa and they take something from that game."


birminghammail--2020-07-05--Grosicki scout report as winger nets first West Brom goal

Kamil Grosicki finally started his first West Brom match against former club Hull City at The Hawthorns on Sunday .
The Polish winger netted at the beginning of the second half as the Baggies eventually toppled the Tigers in a frantic match where both sides - still pushing for points - might ’ ve bagged five or six goals apiece .
After four matches without a goal , spanning four months because of the pandemic , Slaven Bilic ’ s Albion have opened the floodgates and have bagged seven in their last two matches - and Grosicki was among them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no means as comfortable or emphatic as the score-line might suggest ; indeed Hull played their part and on another day the sequence of goals might ’ ve been different and the Tigers might ’ ve snatched a valuable point of their own .
Albion ’ s need is just as great at the moment , of course .
Here is the story of Grosicki ’ s first six months at The Hawthorns and how he fared against his old friends .
The story so far Albion added Grosicki on an 18-month deal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was confirmed on January transfer deadline day .
He arrived alongside Callum Robinson , as cover for the injured Grady Diangana and added competition across the Baggies front-line .
He made his debut at Millwall , and collected an assist for Dara O ’ Shea ’ s headed goal , but still he was made to wait for a look-in from the off .
More cameos came , as Grosicki continued to prove how useful an impact substitute he could be against tiring defences , but the season ’ s break perhaps stopped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from his native Poland and joined in training as Albion sought to pick up where they left off , but with Diangana fit again he was the wing option that Bilic opted to sacrifice .
Grosicki was involved once more at Hillsborough , and set up Matheus Pereira ’ s second goal during his half hour display .
That prompted Bilic to give the 31-year-old the nod at The Hawthorns here , against some particularly familiar faces .
What Bilic had said “ He ’ s there .
It ’ s a thin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on time , he ’ d have started the game against Luton [ on February 1 ] , ” Bilic explained in the week building up to the game .
“ He skipped that game and then we went onto Millwall , and then to Bristol ... poof .
That ’ s why he had to wait .
“ He ’ s played almost every game , but he hasn ’ t started .
He ’ s done well for us , considering he ’ s a new player and his first games @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ The first couple of games he wasn ’ t involved , but that was because of the competition - you can ’ t put them all in .
“ Now he ’ s had his chance .
I think that when he came off the bench he was really good .
He played enough minutes to put a marker , a stamp on the game .
“ He was very hungry , he was active .
He was taking people on .
He was exactly what I wanted him to be .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ game , and now he ’ s much closer to starting a game than he was.
” It was a quiet opening period for Grosicki , who was deployed on the left of a front three .
Up against Everton loanee Matthew Pennington , Grosicki watched on as fellow flanker Pereira ran the show in the first half , though on the one occasion that he might ’ ve hurt Hull he overran the ball .
Grosicki was culpable of losing his man when Kevin Stewart equalised from a set-piece but , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ahmed Hegazi header from a corner won by Grosicki , he enjoyed more of the ball .
The Pole combined well with Conor Townsend on the left , and ought to have had another assist for his tally when he fed Rekeem Harper , who skied an effort .
Pereira was less than pleased with his teammate before the break , screaming in frustration as he made a clever run without receiving the ball from the Pole .
Grosicki barely had time to think about what he was going to do with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the second period ; with the boot on the other foot , Pereira scythed open the away defence and , in a flash , Grosicki had restored the hosts ’ lead .
Grosicki moved over to the right of a 4-2-3-1 formation when Grady Diangana was introduced , though his influence on the match waned a little as the game wore on .
Still , he ’ s off the mark - both in terms of starts and goals .

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Kamil Grosicki finally started his first West Brom match against former club Hull City at The Hawthorns on Sunday.
The Polish winger netted at the beginning of the second half as the Baggies eventually toppled the Tigers in a frantic match where both sides - still pushing for points - might’ve bagged five or six goals apiece.
After four matches without a goal, spanning four months because of the pandemic, Slaven Bilic’s Albion have opened the floodgates and have bagged seven in their last two matches - and Grosicki was among them.
This victory over Hull was by no means as comfortable or emphatic as the score-line might suggest; indeed Hull played their part and on another day the sequence of goals might’ve been different and the Tigers might’ve snatched a valuable point of their own.
Albion’s need is just as great at the moment, of course.
Here is the story of Grosicki’s first six months at The Hawthorns and how he fared against his old friends.
The story so far
Albion added Grosicki on an 18-month deal from Hull, in a move that was confirmed on January transfer deadline day.
He arrived alongside Callum Robinson, as cover for the injured Grady Diangana and added competition across the Baggies front-line.
He made his debut at Millwall, and collected an assist for Dara O’Shea’s headed goal, but still he was made to wait for a look-in from the off.
More cameos came, as Grosicki continued to prove how useful an impact substitute he could be against tiring defences, but the season’s break perhaps stopped him in his tracks.
Grosicki returned from his native Poland and joined in training as Albion sought to pick up where they left off, but with Diangana fit again he was the wing option that Bilic opted to sacrifice.
Grosicki was involved once more at Hillsborough, and set up Matheus Pereira’s second goal during his half hour display.
That prompted Bilic to give the 31-year-old the nod at The Hawthorns here, against some particularly familiar faces.
(Image: Adam Fradgley/AMA)
What Bilic had said
“He’s there. It’s a thin line. Maybe if his papers came on time, he’d have started the game against Luton [on February 1],” Bilic explained in the week building up to the game.
“He skipped that game and then we went onto Millwall, and then to Bristol...poof. That’s why he had to wait.
“He’s played almost every game, but he hasn’t started. He’s done well for us, considering he’s a new player and his first games have been coming from the bench.
“The first couple of games he wasn’t involved, but that was because of the competition - you can’t put them all in.
“Now he’s had his chance. I think that when he came off the bench he was really good. He played enough minutes to put a marker, a stamp on the game.
“He was very hungry, he was active. He was taking people on. He was exactly what I wanted him to be. He gained a big plus for that game, and now he’s much closer to starting a game than he was.”
How he played
It was a quiet opening period for Grosicki, who was deployed on the left of a front three.
Up against Everton loanee Matthew Pennington, Grosicki watched on as fellow flanker Pereira ran the show in the first half, though on the one occasion that he might’ve hurt Hull he overran the ball.
Grosicki was culpable of losing his man when Kevin Stewart equalised from a set-piece but, with Albion retaking the lead thanks to an Ahmed Hegazi header from a corner won by Grosicki, he enjoyed more of the ball.
The Pole combined well with Conor Townsend on the left, and ought to have had another assist for his tally when he fed Rekeem Harper, who skied an effort.
Pereira was less than pleased with his teammate before the break, screaming in frustration as he made a clever run without receiving the ball from the Pole.
Grosicki barely had time to think about what he was going to do with the ball he received at the start of the second period; with the boot on the other foot, Pereira scythed open the away defence and, in a flash, Grosicki had restored the hosts’ lead.
Grosicki moved over to the right of a 4-2-3-1 formation when Grady Diangana was introduced, though his influence on the match waned a little as the game wore on. Still, he’s off the mark - both in terms of starts and goals.


birminghammail--2020-07-05--'Tough game' - Liverpool star Andy Robertson makes Aston Villa claim

Andy Robertson has paid praise to Aston Villa after his Liverpool side swept to a 2-0 victory at Anfield earlier today .
Two sides at the opposite ends of the table clashed , but the underdog - Villa - left without a points , even if there is reason to be proud of their performance - something Robertson hinted at .
A new formation for Villa allowed to counter-attack without sacrificing momentum and territory , a and it seemed to work for Villa - until Sadio Mane drifted between Tyrone Mings and Neil Taylor to cut Villa 's hopes , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here Anwar El Ghazi had two solid chances for Villa - but was unable to get onto the scoresheet during a largely positive outing , and the Villans were n't able to better Liverpool 's double , with Curtis Jones adding a finish .
`` We 've been playing with confidence , '' said Villa head coach Dean Smith after the match .
`` We have n't got the points we would have liked but , to out-shoot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I do n't want to be a valiant loser because games are running out and we need to get points on the board . ''
Villa 's performance was noted by the opposition , with the Liverpool left-back picking up after the match to praise the Villans .
`` A tough game from a team that deserve to be higher up ! ''
said Robertson on his Twitter feed after the match .
Despite positive performances since the return , Villa have enjoyed no tangible reward and sit 18th in the league .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ can make good on their post-return play - and they will need to get something from Manchester United on Thursday to do so .

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Andy Robertson has paid praise to Aston Villa after his Liverpool side swept to a 2-0 victory at Anfield earlier today.
Two sides at the opposite ends of the table clashed, but the underdog - Villa - left without a points, even if there is reason to be proud of their performance - something Robertson hinted at.
A new formation for Villa allowed to counter-attack without sacrificing momentum and territory,a and it seemed to work for Villa - until Sadio Mane drifted between Tyrone Mings and Neil Taylor to cut Villa's hopes, again.
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Anwar El Ghazi had two solid chances for Villa - but was unable to get onto the scoresheet during a largely positive outing, and the Villans weren't able to better Liverpool's double, with Curtis Jones adding a finish.
"We've been playing with confidence," said Villa head coach Dean Smith after the match.
"We haven't got the points we would have liked but, to out-shoot the champions, was pleasing. But I don't want to be a valiant loser because games are running out and we need to get points on the board."
Villa's performance was noted by the opposition, with the Liverpool left-back picking up after the match to praise the Villans.
"A tough game from a team that deserve to be higher up!" said Robertson on his Twitter feed after the match.
Despite positive performances since the return, Villa have enjoyed no tangible reward and sit 18th in the league.
It remains to be seen if Villa can make good on their post-return play - and they will need to get something from Manchester United on Thursday to do so.


birminghammail--2020-07-05--The desperate problem Aston Villa must solve if they're to escape

It was a four-on-two attack that summed up exactly why Aston Villa are unable to drag themselves to safety .
Jack Grealish burst away from Naby Keita and slid in Anwar El Ghazi .
The Dutchman hesitated before Reds goalkeeper Alisson palmed the ball away .
Just six minutes later , Liverpool lived dangerously once more and it was the world 's best defender , Virgil Van Djik , who was pick-pocketed by Douglas Luiz .
The Brazilian advanced and found El Ghazi once more .
The winger , arguably Villa 's biggest threat , looked unsure of himself and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , opted to dribble in search for more space - but could n't find it .
The chance was gone .
You sensed those two golden counter-attacking moments would bite Villa on the backside and , just over 15 minutes later , it did so when old foe Sadio Mane struck the cruelest of blows .
Afterwards , Smith explained how the Anfield game-plan worked a treat .
All week long Villa had worked on a rigid 4-4-1-1 formation with El Ghazi and Trezeguet the men to find should Liverpool 's brilliant full-backs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tactical approach was spot on .
Even in the first 45 , it was Grealish who found space .
The skipper stood up Trent Alexander-Arnold before crossing .
However , yet again , Villa lacked that cutting edge needed when you come to places like this .
Keinan Davis was the culprit this time .
He was deeper than the six-yard box rather than being right in amongst it .
Had he have been then he 'd have headed home the easiest of tap-ins .
And it 's the lack of that killer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Villa off in the Premier League .
Davis lacked it at Sheffield United on the opening game of Restart and Trezeguet spurned the best of them up at St James ' .
A forward player has n't scored since Bournemouth away eight games ago on February 1 .
That needs to change - and quick .
The returning John McGinn , Villa 's main source of goals earlier this year , played much deeper at Anfield this afternoon and that nullifies another threat with the Scot taking on more defensive duties .
Bournemouth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yet still have a sting in their tail by scoring two at Old Trafford .
Watford , by contrast , have struggled for goals ( 29 compared to Villa 's 36 ) but it 's Nigel Pearson 's side who have by far the easiest of run-ins with Norwich , Newcastle and West Ham now back-to-back .
As for the Hammers , they 've proved in recent games they 've got the goals to fire themselves away .
They , too , have a kind run-in .
Back to Villa and , if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of it , then they must start possessing more of a threat up front .
It 's their toothless attack that 's undoing all of the hard work across two-thirds of the pitch at present .
Smith and his players must find that formula for the all-important final third .
Goals win you games , not performances .
That said , Villa showed a fighting spirit at Anfield and , dare I say it , look the best of a bad bunch down the bottom .
The problem is the fixtures do n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to play , there 's hope yet .

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It was a four-on-two attack that summed up exactly why Aston Villa are unable to drag themselves to safety.
Jack Grealish burst away from Naby Keita and slid in Anwar El Ghazi. The Dutchman hesitated before Reds goalkeeper Alisson palmed the ball away.
Just six minutes later, Liverpool lived dangerously once more and it was the world's best defender, Virgil Van Djik, who was pick-pocketed by Douglas Luiz.
The Brazilian advanced and found El Ghazi once more. The winger, arguably Villa's biggest threat, looked unsure of himself and, instead of lashing one goal wards, opted to dribble in search for more space - but couldn't find it. The chance was gone.
(Image: 2020 Pool)
You sensed those two golden counter-attacking moments would bite Villa on the backside and, just over 15 minutes later, it did so when old foe Sadio Mane struck the cruelest of blows.
Afterwards, Smith explained how the Anfield game-plan worked a treat. All week long Villa had worked on a rigid 4-4-1-1 formation with El Ghazi and Trezeguet the men to find should Liverpool's brilliant full-backs push up too high.
Smith's tactical approach was spot on. Even in the first 45, it was Grealish who found space. The skipper stood up Trent Alexander-Arnold before crossing. However, yet again, Villa lacked that cutting edge needed when you come to places like this.
Keinan Davis was the culprit this time. He was deeper than the six-yard box rather than being right in amongst it. Had he have been then he'd have headed home the easiest of tap-ins.
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And it's the lack of that killer instinct that could, well, kill Villa off in the Premier League. Davis lacked it at Sheffield United on the opening game of Restart and Trezeguet spurned the best of them up at St James'. A forward player hasn't scored since Bournemouth away eight games ago on February 1. That needs to change - and quick.
The returning John McGinn, Villa's main source of goals earlier this year, played much deeper at Anfield this afternoon and that nullifies another threat with the Scot taking on more defensive duties.
Bournemouth, this weekend, proved they could yet still have a sting in their tail by scoring two at Old Trafford. Watford, by contrast, have struggled for goals (29 compared to Villa's 36) but it's Nigel Pearson's side who have by far the easiest of run-ins with Norwich, Newcastle and West Ham now back-to-back.
As for the Hammers, they've proved in recent games they've got the goals to fire themselves away. They, too, have a kind run-in.
Back to Villa and, if they're going to eventually get out of it, then they must start possessing more of a threat up front. It's their toothless attack that's undoing all of the hard work across two-thirds of the pitch at present. Smith and his players must find that formula for the all-important final third.
Goals win you games, not performances. That said, Villa showed a fighting spirit at Anfield and, dare I say it, look the best of a bad bunch down the bottom. The problem is the fixtures don't get any kinder but, with five to play, there's hope yet.


birminghammail--2020-07-05--Bilic sums up Pereira display as he rues Albion defensive lapses

Matheus Pereira ’ s through ball to set up Kamil Grosicki during West Brom ’ s 4-2 victory over Hull City even left Slaven Bilic gaping .
The Brazilian was in superb form as he picked apart the Tigers ’ defence in open play and with set-pieces , collecting three more assists for his tally which now stands at a staggering 19 .
Laying on goals for birthday boy Charlie Austin and Ahmed Hegazi too , Pereira was back to his supreme best - and Hull were the unfortunate opposition .
Bilic is glad to have Pereira back at peak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that earlier in the campaign he informed the playmaker that he must pick it back up .
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Google Play Store and App Store “ I ’ ve told him a few times during the season I expect him to be better , ” Bilic explained .
“ Against Hull and against Sheffield Wednesday he was top .
Top performances .
“ Not only offensively but he fought , he was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pressing , with his movement with his passing .
“ He is Matheus , he is our player , he is one of those key players when we are getting into the final third of the pitch and it ’ s great to have him like this .
His ball to Grosicki was ‘ wow.
’ It was one of those balls .
“ But if we want to go to the Premier League - and we want to go to the Premier League - then we need that from him .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has got that quality .
It is great to have him on this level.
” For all the marvellous goals and attractive passages of play , Albion ’ s vulnerabilities were exposed at the back , too .
Indeed Hull might even have left The Hawthorns feeling as though they ’ d offered enough towards the proceedings to be worthy of a result .
They scored two goals and might ’ ve plundered more .
Bilic bemoaned the manner in which his side conceded them - especially coming off the back of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ d looked particularly sturdy .
“ The stage is frantic .
It was a very open game .
We wanted to be open when we had the ball , but we didn ’ t want to be open when they had it , ” Bilic analysed .
“ On the ball we were excellent today .
We made so many chances .
We were coming there with the whole team .
“ Every time it was thrilling , or something dangerous .
The problem was that , on the other side of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with very simple football .
“ Long balls , second balls , quick attacks .
In that sense I can ’ t be happy with the whole team , because we dealt with that football three days ago .
“ We coped , so it wasn ’ t a matter of quality , or tiredness .
We we just a little bit nervy , afraid that they were going to hurt us .
”

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Matheus Pereira’s through ball to set up Kamil Grosicki during West Brom’s 4-2 victory over Hull City even left Slaven Bilic gaping.
The Brazilian was in superb form as he picked apart the Tigers’ defence in open play and with set-pieces, collecting three more assists for his tally which now stands at a staggering 19.
Laying on goals for birthday boy Charlie Austin and Ahmed Hegazi too, Pereira was back to his supreme best - and Hull were the unfortunate opposition.
Bilic is glad to have Pereira back at peak form for the run-in, having revealed that earlier in the campaign he informed the playmaker that he must pick it back up.
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“I’ve told him a few times during the season I expect him to be better,” Bilic explained. “Against Hull and against Sheffield Wednesday he was top. Top performances.
“Not only offensively but he fought, he was running, he was brilliant with his pressing, with his movement with his passing.
“He is Matheus, he is our player, he is one of those key players when we are getting into the final third of the pitch and it’s great to have him like this. His ball to Grosicki was ‘wow.’ It was one of those balls.
“But if we want to go to the Premier League - and we want to go to the Premier League - then we need that from him. We need that from him.
“He has got that quality. It is great to have him on this level.”
For all the marvellous goals and attractive passages of play, Albion’s vulnerabilities were exposed at the back, too.
Indeed Hull might even have left The Hawthorns feeling as though they’d offered enough towards the proceedings to be worthy of a result.
They scored two goals and might’ve plundered more. Bilic bemoaned the manner in which his side conceded them - especially coming off the back of a run of matches in which they’d looked particularly sturdy.
“The stage is frantic. It was a very open game. We wanted to be open when we had the ball, but we didn’t want to be open when they had it,” Bilic analysed.
(Image: Getty Images)
“On the ball we were excellent today. We made so many chances. We were coming there with the whole team.
“Every time it was thrilling, or something dangerous. The problem was that, on the other side of the game, they put us under pressure with very simple football.
“Long balls, second balls, quick attacks. In that sense I can’t be happy with the whole team, because we dealt with that football three days ago.
“We coped, so it wasn’t a matter of quality, or tiredness. We we just a little bit nervy, afraid that they were going to hurt us.”


birminghammail--2020-07-05--McGinn blasts Premier League rule as Aston Villa lose again at Liverpool

Aston Villa midfielder John McGinn has slammed the Premier League 's new five substitution rule .
Ahead of the top flight 's return , clubs approved a rule that would allow managers to make five substitutions per game instead of the traditional three .
The rule was intended to help teams deal with fitness issues as they returned from a three-month layoff due to coronavirus .
But Villa star McGinn is not happy with it , voicing his concern after he and his teammates fell to a 2-0 defeat to Liverpool on Sunday despite a spirited display .
“ We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lot of times this season , '' he told Sky Sports .
`` We can ’ t take heart from it with the position we ’ re in .
The importance is goals and points , and we didn ’ t get that today .
We can ’ t thank the guy who invented the five sub rule .
It ’ s affected us twice .
It ’ s up to us now to get the goals and create chances .
Want the biggest Aston Villa stories to drop straight into your inbox @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the page or follow instructions here “ It was similar against Chelsea , where we worked so hard to get in a winning position .
We ’ ve got to be stronger obviously , but it does make the task harder .
You ’ re coming to the champions , which is already an uphill task .
`` But it does get tougher with that rule .
It does make it a lot more difficult , but it ’ s the same for everyone.
`` Speaking about the defeat and Villa 's performance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : “ We were ( in the game ) .
I think Liverpool would agree with that as well .
I think we battled and created chances .
We made it very tough for them , the champions , and deservedly so .
`` There ’ s been too many times this season when we ’ ve done exactly the same thing and have come away with nothing .
We need to start getting points on the board .
We know the games don ’ t get any easier , but it ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out and keep this club in the league .
“ Just looking around at the dressing room , players are playing with confidence even though we ’ re in this situation .
The break ’ s been good for me , and for others , to get back to match fitness .
`` I ’ m sure a lot of us are feeling that now .
We ’ re gaining a little bit of momentum , not results-wise , but performance-wise , and hopefully we can use that for an incredibly tough game @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still a point from safety in 18th position .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Bobby Vincent, Jamie Kemble)

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Aston Villa midfielder John McGinn has slammed the Premier League's new five substitution rule.
Ahead of the top flight's return, clubs approved a rule that would allow managers to make five substitutions per game instead of the traditional three.
The rule was intended to help teams deal with fitness issues as they returned from a three-month layoff due to coronavirus.
But Villa star McGinn is not happy with it, voicing his concern after he and his teammates fell to a 2-0 defeat to Liverpool on Sunday despite a spirited display.
“We’ve been in that position a lot of times this season," he told Sky Sports. "We can’t take heart from it with the position we’re in. The importance is goals and points, and we didn’t get that today. We can’t thank the guy who invented the five sub rule. It’s affected us twice. It’s up to us now to get the goals and create chances.
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“It was similar against Chelsea, where we worked so hard to get in a winning position. We’ve got to be stronger obviously, but it does make the task harder. You’re coming to the champions, which is already an uphill task.
"But it does get tougher with that rule. It does make it a lot more difficult, but it’s the same for everyone. "
Speaking about the defeat and Villa's performance at Anfield, the Scotland international added: “We were (in the game). I think Liverpool would agree with that as well. I think we battled and created chances. We made it very tough for them, the champions, and deservedly so.
"There’s been too many times this season when we’ve done exactly the same thing and have come away with nothing. We need to start getting points on the board. We know the games don’t get any easier, but it’s so important to puff our chest out and keep this club in the league.
“Just looking around at the dressing room, players are playing with confidence even though we’re in this situation. The break’s been good for me, and for others, to get back to match fitness.
"I’m sure a lot of us are feeling that now. We’re gaining a little bit of momentum, not results-wise, but performance-wise, and hopefully we can use that for an incredibly tough game on Thursday.”
The defeat leaves Villa still a point from safety in 18th position.


birminghammail--2020-07-05--Dean Smith's Liverpool verdict as boss explains Grealish injury

Dean Smith was proud of his Aston Villa players despite going down 2-0 to the champions , but said : `` Games are running out and we need to get points on the board . ''
Nemesis Sadio Mane and youngster Curtis Jones got the goals for Liverpool in the second half , however , Villa had chances of their own but failed to take them - gifting Jurgen Klopp 's Reds what proved to be a routine victory . ]
Speaking afterwards , Smith said : `` We 've been playing with confidence .
We have n't got the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to out-shoot the champions , was pleasing .
But I do n't want to be a valiant loser because games are running out and we need to get points on the board .
`` There 's only been a few wins down the bottom .
We deserve more .
We have to keep believing .
The game plan for today , we knew if we tried to out-play them it 'd be crazy .
We had a good structure about us defensively .
`` Unfortunately , we did n't show the quality they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Smith added : `` We 've got a tight-knit group who are hurting a little bit with where we are and the criticism we 've been getting .
They 're desperate to show we 're more than capable to show we can stay in this league .
`` I have n't really thanked Jurgen for bringing the big guns on , making a triple substitution of players who 'd normally be starting .
`` We matched them for long periods but never showed the quality in the final third .
`` The system @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It was more of a 4-4-1-1 .
We had a week to work on this .
We had opportunities .
We 're just lacking in the final third and a bit of luck as well . ''
The head coach told BirminghamLive that Jack Grealish and Tyrone Mings will be fine for Manchester United on Thursday .
The pair sustained injuries to their calf but both soldiered on .
`` They 're both fine , '' Smith said .
`` I think Jack 's strapping was too tight which was giving his calf @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at half-time .
He finished the game OK .
Both calves were tight in the end .
There 's no pull , that 's for sure .
`` Tyrone , he got a kick in the calf as well .
That 's not a pull .
We 'll get back to Bodymoor Heath and get recovered and should be good to go ( for Man Utd ) . ''

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Dean Smith was proud of his Aston Villa players despite going down 2-0 to the champions, but said: "Games are running out and we need to get points on the board."
Nemesis Sadio Mane and youngster Curtis Jones got the goals for Liverpool in the second half, however, Villa had chances of their own but failed to take them - gifting Jurgen Klopp's Reds what proved to be a routine victory.]
Speaking afterwards, Smith said: "We've been playing with confidence. We haven't got the points we would have liked but, to out-shoot the champions, was pleasing. But I don't want to be a valiant loser because games are running out and we need to get points on the board.
(Image: Carl Recine/NMC Pool/PA Wire)
"There's only been a few wins down the bottom. We deserve more. We have to keep believing. The game plan for today, we knew if we tried to out-play them it'd be crazy. We had a good structure about us defensively.
"Unfortunately, we didn't show the quality they did in the final third."
Smith added: "We've got a tight-knit group who are hurting a little bit with where we are and the criticism we've been getting. They're desperate to show we're more than capable to show we can stay in this league.
"I haven't really thanked Jurgen for bringing the big guns on, making a triple substitution of players who'd normally be starting.
"We matched them for long periods but never showed the quality in the final third.
"The system was always going to be better. It was more of a 4-4-1-1. We had a week to work on this. We had opportunities. We're just lacking in the final third and a bit of luck as well."
The head coach told BirminghamLive that Jack Grealish and Tyrone Mings will be fine for Manchester United on Thursday.
The pair sustained injuries to their calf but both soldiered on.
"They're both fine," Smith said. "I think Jack's strapping was too tight which was giving his calf a few problems and sorted it out at half-time. He finished the game OK. Both calves were tight in the end. There's no pull, that's for sure.
"Tyrone, he got a kick in the calf as well. That's not a pull. We'll get back to Bodymoor Heath and get recovered and should be good to go (for Man Utd)."


birminghammail--2020-07-05--'Not down yet' - Aston Villa fans find room for hope after Liverpool loss

Aston Villa showed signs of promise , but could n't manufacture a convincing goal threat against the league champions Liverpool .
A lapse in the defence allowed Sadio Mane to pounce late in the second half , with the flying forward continuing his form against the Villans .
Youngster Curtis Jones condemned Villa to defeat with Liverpool 's second shortly after .
Sign up for our Villa newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here The result wo n't change the outlook for Liverpool - who have already secured their league title @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Villa to mount a promotion charge .
While the performance can be judged as a positive , Villa have n't received many points for thier displays since the return - picking up just two points .
The Villans sit in 18th , on goal difference and are a single point behind 17th place Watford .
Dean Smith 's men host Manchester United in their next match .
And fans will be hoping for some points .
Here 's what Villa fans made of the result today ... Amy : We played very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be .
Hayden : Well played villa , don ’ t mind us losing if we play well .
Andy : Thought we played well in all honesty , the effort was there and Luiz was MOTM for me .
Laura : Subs changed the game !
Best I ’ ve seen Villa play in a long time but Liverpool has better subs than us .
Steve : Best performance since returned back that .
Josh : We wo n't win another game .
It 's over .
It 's all well and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ match is 90 minutes , we just ca n't play well for the whole game .
@ Rabiicol : Played brilliantly especially against the champions .
Play like that for the rest of the season and we will stay up without a shadow of a doubt .
@ Mrthompson81 : Good effort lads but never going to get anything vs Liverpool and United .
Gifting six points to Bournemouth , Saints and not capitalising against the likes of Sheffield And Newcastle Utd will define our fate .
Chris : Played better but still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how to win .
Tom : Heads up lads that was a good , organised , passionate performance , we ’ re not down yet .

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Aston Villa showed signs of promise, but couldn't manufacture a convincing goal threat against the league champions Liverpool.
A lapse in the defence allowed Sadio Mane to pounce late in the second half, with the flying forward continuing his form against the Villans. Youngster Curtis Jones condemned Villa to defeat with Liverpool's second shortly after.
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The result won't change the outlook for Liverpool - who have already secured their league title. However, time is slipping away for Villa to mount a promotion charge.
While the performance can be judged as a positive, Villa haven't received many points for thier displays since the return - picking up just two points.
The Villans sit in 18th, on goal difference and are a single point behind 17th place Watford. Dean Smith's men host Manchester United in their next match.
And fans will be hoping for some points.
Here's what Villa fans made of the result today...
Amy: We played very well today but wasn't meant to be.
Hayden: Well played villa, don’t mind us losing if we play well.
Georgia: Announce relegation now.
Andy: Thought we played well in all honesty, the effort was there and Luiz was MOTM for me.
Laura: Subs changed the game! Best I’ve seen Villa play in a long time but Liverpool has better subs than us.
Steve: Best performance since returned back that.
Josh: We won't win another game. It's over. It's all well and good playing well, but a Football match is 90 minutes, we just can't play well for the whole game.
@Rabiicol: Played brilliantly especially against the champions. Play like that for the rest of the season and we will stay up without a shadow of a doubt.
@Mrthompson81: Good effort lads but never going to get anything vs Liverpool and United. Gifting six points to Bournemouth, Saints and not capitalising against the likes of Sheffield And Newcastle Utd will define our fate.
Chris: Played better but still lost. Genuinely think we have forgot how to win.
Deserved a point today.
Tom: Heads up lads that was a good, organised, passionate performance, we’re not down yet.


birminghammail--2020-07-05--Liverpool star Sadio Mane sends blunt message to Aston Villa

Liverpool star Sadio Mane wants Aston Villa to stay up - just so he can keep scoring against them .
The Senegal forward scored the all-important first goal at Anfield during their 2-0 win over Villa on Sunday afternoon before youngster Curtis Jones added a late second .
Mane 's latest strike is his 20th of the season for the Reds and puts Dean Smith 's Villa in further relegation trouble with five matches to go .
And the 28-year-old has enjoyed a brilliant record against Villa in recent years , also netting the winner for the Reds at Villa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ goals in as many games against Villa during his Southampton days too , including a hat-trick in a 6-1 victory at St Mary 's in 2015 .
“ It ’ s a lucky team for me , '' he told Sky Sports .
`` I ’ m always scoring .
I ’ m happy about it and hopefully they ’ ll stay ( up ) and I ’ ll score more goals next season for the team and get more three points against them.
” Villa are still one point adrift of 17th-place @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the Premier League to nine matches at Anfield .

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Liverpool star Sadio Mane wants Aston Villa to stay up - just so he can keep scoring against them.
The Senegal forward scored the all-important first goal at Anfield during their 2-0 win over Villa on Sunday afternoon before youngster Curtis Jones added a late second.
Mane's latest strike is his 20th of the season for the Reds and puts Dean Smith's Villa in further relegation trouble with five matches to go.
And the 28-year-old has enjoyed a brilliant record against Villa in recent years, also netting the winner for the Reds at Villa Park in November. Mane managed four goals in as many games against Villa during his Southampton days too, including a hat-trick in a 6-1 victory at St Mary's in 2015.
“It’s a lucky team for me," he told Sky Sports. "I’m always scoring. I’m happy about it and hopefully they’ll stay (up) and I’ll score more goals next season for the team and get more three points against them.”
Villa are still one point adrift of 17th-place Watford after they extended their winless run in the Premier League to nine matches at Anfield.


birminghammail--2020-07-05--Jamie Carragher details why Aston Villa can be optimistic in relegation battle

Former Liverpool defender turned pundit Carragher has issued a verdict on Aston Villa 's survival chances .
Dean Smith 's men were defeated by champions Liverpool on Sunday despite a spirited effort , losing 2-0 .
And that leaves them 18th and a point from safety with just five games to preserve their Premier League status .
During commentary on Sky Sports , Carragher gave his opinion on Villa 's survival chances .
He said : `` Villa have now got two points from 15 , so it 's a poor return since we have come back .
Want the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into your inbox ?
Sign up at the top of the page or follow instructions here '' But in some ways , they may be a little bit more confident that they can get out of trouble .
`` When I watched them at that Leicester game and throughout the season , they were so open , conceded so many goals .
`` The game here and against Chelsea , two of the top teams in the country , Villa have done well in both games .
`` They will need to try @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take some soft of belief and confidence from the performances rather than the results . ''
That will give Villa fans some much-needed hope as their side prepare for a rather difficult run-in .
Smith 's men face Man United , Crystal Palace , Everton , Arsenal and West Ham to finish the season .

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Former Liverpool defender turned pundit Carragher has issued a verdict on Aston Villa's survival chances.
Dean Smith's men were defeated by champions Liverpool on Sunday despite a spirited effort, losing 2-0.
And that leaves them 18th and a point from safety with just five games to preserve their Premier League status.
During commentary on Sky Sports, Carragher gave his opinion on Villa's survival chances. He said: "Villa have now got two points from 15, so it's a poor return since we have come back.
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"But in some ways, they may be a little bit more confident that they can get out of trouble.
"When I watched them at that Leicester game and throughout the season, they were so open, conceded so many goals.
"The game here and against Chelsea, two of the top teams in the country, Villa have done well in both games.
"They will need to try to take some sort of confidence and take some soft of belief and confidence from the performances rather than the results."
That will give Villa fans some much-needed hope as their side prepare for a rather difficult run-in.
Smith's men face Man United, Crystal Palace, Everton, Arsenal and West Ham to finish the season.


birminghammail--2020-07-05--Liverpool vs Aston Villa LIVE: Selection worries and transfer news

Despite showing promise , Aston Villa 's survival chances were dented by Liverpool - who took their chances to condemn Villa to a 2-0 defeat .
Villa , in a new 4-2-3-1 shape , pressed and probed with Anwar El Ghazi getting the better of Andy Robertson during the early exchanges .
Smith , meanwhile , had to deal with an ankle knock to Jack Grealish with the skipper going off twice for treatment before eventually shaking it off .
Right-back Ezri Konsa had Villa 's only effort on target in the first half , with Villa lacking that cutting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well to whip in a ball but , again , Keinan Davis did n't have the nous to get in where it hurts .
After the break , it was El Ghazi who had two golden chances .
The Dutch winger was slid in twice as Villa raced away on two separate counter-attacks .
First it was Grealish who teed up his teammate , only for El Ghazi to shoot without any conviction as Alisson palmed his effort away .
Moments later , Douglas Luiz pick-pocketed Virgil Van Djik before slipping El Ghazi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opted to dribble around Joe Gomez - only to lose the ball and , with it , a fantastic chance to open the scoring .
The story of Villa 's season then unfolded in front of our eyes as Mane hammered home what was a hammer blow .
Top prospect Jones rubbed salt into the wounds late on .
Grealish went close to reduce the arrears but , again , it was all too little too late anyway.. Sign up for our Villa newsletter with your email in the box at the top @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ll have all the reaction right here on BirminghamLive so stay tuned .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Brian Dick, Alex Dicken, Ben Husband, James Rushton)

Despite showing promise, Aston Villa's survival chances were dented by Liverpool - who took their chances to condemn Villa to a 2-0 defeat.
Villa, in a new 4-2-3-1 shape, pressed and probed with Anwar El Ghazi getting the better of Andy Robertson during the early exchanges. Smith, meanwhile, had to deal with an ankle knock to Jack Grealish with the skipper going off twice for treatment before eventually shaking it off.
Right-back Ezri Konsa had Villa's only effort on target in the first half, with Villa lacking that cutting edge needed once again. Grealish did well to whip in a ball but, again, Keinan Davis didn't have the nous to get in where it hurts.
After the break, it was El Ghazi who had two golden chances. The Dutch winger was slid in twice as Villa raced away on two separate counter-attacks. First it was Grealish who teed up his teammate, only for El Ghazi to shoot without any conviction as Alisson palmed his effort away.
Moments later, Douglas Luiz pick-pocketed Virgil Van Djik before slipping El Ghazi in again, this time the winger opted to dribble around Joe Gomez - only to lose the ball and, with it, a fantastic chance to open the scoring.
The story of Villa's season then unfolded in front of our eyes as Mane hammered home what was a hammer blow. Top prospect Jones rubbed salt into the wounds late on. Grealish went close to reduce the arrears but, again, it was all too little too late anyway..
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We’ll have all the reaction right here on BirminghamLive so stay tuned.


birminghammail--2020-07-05--Liverpool 2 v Aston Villa 0: Match in pictures

Liverpool 2 Aston Villa 0 : All the action as Reds secure Villa win Despite showing promise , Aston Villa 's survival chances were dented by Liverpool - who took their chances to condemn Villa to a 2-0 defeat .
Villa , in a new 4-2-3-1 shape , pressed and probed with Anwar El Ghazi getting the better of Andy Robertson during the early exchanges .
Smith , meanwhile , had to deal with an ankle knock to Jack Grealish with the skipper going off twice for treatment before eventually shaking it off .
Right-back Ezri Konsa had Villa 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ half , with Villa lacking that cutting edge needed once again .
Grealish did well to whip in a ball but , again , Keinan Davis did n't have the nous to get in where it hurts .
After the break , it was El Ghazi who had two golden chances .
The Dutch winger was slid in twice as Villa raced away on two separate counter-attacks .
First it was Grealish who teed up his teammate , only for El Ghazi to shoot without any conviction as Alisson palmed his effort away @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Virgil Van Djik before slipping El Ghazi in again , this time the winger opted to dribble around Joe Gomez - only to lose the ball and , with it , a fantastic chance to open the scoring .
The story of Villa 's season then unfolded in front of our eyes as Mane hammered home what was a hammer blow .
Top prospect Jones rubbed salt into the wounds late on .
Grealish went close to reduce the arrears but , again , it was all too little too late anyway .

Liverpool 2 Aston Villa 0: All the action as Reds secure Villa win
Despite showing promise, Aston Villa's survival chances were dented by Liverpool - who took their chances to condemn Villa to a 2-0 defeat.
Villa, in a new 4-2-3-1 shape, pressed and probed with Anwar El Ghazi getting the better of Andy Robertson during the early exchanges. Smith, meanwhile, had to deal with an ankle knock to Jack Grealish with the skipper going off twice for treatment before eventually shaking it off.
Right-back Ezri Konsa had Villa's only effort on target in the first half, with Villa lacking that cutting edge needed once again. Grealish did well to whip in a ball but, again, Keinan Davis didn't have the nous to get in where it hurts.
After the break, it was El Ghazi who had two golden chances. The Dutch winger was slid in twice as Villa raced away on two separate counter-attacks. First it was Grealish who teed up his teammate, only for El Ghazi to shoot without any conviction as Alisson palmed his effort away.
Moments later, Douglas Luiz pick-pocketed Virgil Van Djik before slipping El Ghazi in again, this time the winger opted to dribble around Joe Gomez - only to lose the ball and, with it, a fantastic chance to open the scoring.
The story of Villa's season then unfolded in front of our eyes as Mane hammered home what was a hammer blow. Top prospect Jones rubbed salt into the wounds late on. Grealish went close to reduce the arrears but, again, it was all too little too late anyway.
Here's the match in images...


birminghammail--2020-07-05--Aston Villa ratings as wasteful El Ghazi made to pay by Liverpool

Liverpool menace and old foe Sadio Mane clattered home the killer opening goal to condemn wasteful Aston Villa to another defeat .
Dean Smith 's men in green were undone by a lapse of concentration with Mane - scorer of the quickest-ever Premier League hat-trick vs Villa back in 2015 - ghosting in from off the right to side-foot the ball in off the underside off the crossbar .
Just like at Villa Park back in November , the Senegal wide man broke hearts in B6 and afar - undoing all of Villa 's good work to strike home what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Smith 's Villa .
Liverpool prodigy Curtis Jones added a second just a minute from time , slotting home well to seal what was , in the end , a straightforward win for Jurgen Klopp 's men .
Head coach Smith had asked for a reaction from his players following last week 's gutless defeat to Wolves .
The boss blamed that loss on fatigue but , at the home of the champions , Villa showed drive and determination to prove they 're up for the relegation scrap .
Such was Villa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did n't register a shot on target until the 37th minute with Mo Salah poking a tame effort on the returning Pepe Reina 's goal .
Villa , in a new 4-2-3-1 shape , pressed and probed with Anwar El Ghazi getting the better of Andy Robertson during the early exchanges .
Smith , meanwhile , had to deal with an ankle knock to Jack Grealish with the skipper going off twice for treatment before eventually shaking it off .
Right-back Ezri Konsa had Villa 's only effort on target in the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ edge needed once again .
Grealish did well to whip in a ball but , again , Keinan Davis did n't have the nous to get in where it hurts .
After the break , it was El Ghazi who had two golden chances .
The Dutch winger was slid in twice as Villa raced away on two separate counter-attacks .
First it was Grealish who teed up his teammate , only for El Ghazi to shoot without any conviction as Alisson palmed his effort away .
Moments later , Douglas Luiz pick-pocketed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in again , this time the winger opted to dribble around Joe Gomez - only to lose the ball and , with it , a fantastic chance to open the scoring .
The story of Villa 's season then unfolded in front of our eyes as Mane hammered home what was a hammer blow .
Top prospect Jones rubbed salt into the wounds late on .
Grealish went close to reduce the arrears but , again , it was all too little too late anyway .
Villa host in-form Manchester United next and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 're to get out of the mess they 're in .
Reinstated by Dean Smith since his calamitous showing at Leicester back in March .
Could have put a cap on Liverpool 's first strike on goal after 37 minutes when Salah punted a weak effort forwards .
Saved brilliantly from Firmino on 75 minutes .
Could n't do anything for Liverpool 's two goals .
Showed good distribution and did enough to keep his shirt for Man United on Thursday .
Got caught ball-watching twice in early exchanges and got sucked into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gap for Liverpool to attack .
Headed over from a Douglas Luiz free-kick .
Had Salah and Mane to contend with and did OK. Clearly learning the role of full-back .
Sign up for our Villa newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here Shanked a pass out of play early on under no pressure .
Looked shaky throughout , never comfortable on the ball but won the odd ball in the air .
Eat up blocks for fun , was a moving green wall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out and at bay .
Looked for left-footed clips down the channel .
A standing statue for Mane 's opener .
Really hurt himself after Henderson 's knee clattered into his left calf muscle .
Screamed in agony but soldiered on .
Stranded for Jones ' second , too .
Back in from the start for the first time since the 6-1 hammering by Man City at Villa Park in January .
Was aggressive in the tackle and a pest for Mo Salah on Liverpool 's right-hand side .
Arguably caught for Mane @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nevertheless it was a good , experienced performance from the Welshman who did n't take risks .
Did well to pick out Grealish late on .
Started off well yet again .
Got Robertson in the book after Cruyff-turning the life out of the Scotsman during a double act with El Ghazi .
Bit at the ankles of Liverpool 's midfield .
Always makes himself available for a pass .
Impressive and making a name for himself at Villa .
Liking what I 'm seeing .
Back in the starting XI again .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Luiz in a two-man shield in front of the defence .
Booked after Grealish 's hospital pass left him short before upending Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain .
Was disciplined and did his role well .
Looked much more like the McGinn of old after a weeks ' rest .
Villa missed his goal-scoring , third-man running exploits due to his new , deeper role .
Could come on strong for Villa 's final five games now .
Here 's hoping .
Twisted his ankle after spooning a pass .
Looked panicky afterwards with the knock @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for treatment twice complaining of his ankle .
Enjoyed a far more fruitful second half .
Played on Davis ' toes in an advanced role and capitalised on Liverpool errors in the middle of the park .
Ran at the Reds ' defence before teeing up El Ghazi in a four-on-two attack .
Had a goal-bound effort blocked by Van Djik after yet another Villa counter-attack .
Looked bamboozled at Alisson 's save to deny him in the dying moments .
Played as a No.10 and got it much better positions than last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bang up for it from the get-go .
Got some joy off Robertson and enjoyed a nice Tango twist , turning his man before winning a foul .
Switched flanks and picked out Douglas Luiz who shot at Alisson .
Was given a big chance by Grealish .
He was slid in twice on goal but , on occasions , failed to really test Alisson .
Wasteful , sadly .
Replaced by Jota .
Yet to discover that knack of being in the right place at the right time .
For example , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yet Davis was nowhere near getting a simple touch on it to strike home .
Always protects the ball well and did well with back to goal amid pressure from Virgil Van Djik .
Attempted to roll the world 's best defender as well , but he failed to trap the ball after being picked out by Grealish .
Grew frustrated as the game went on .
Replaced by Samatta with 20 to go .
Should have been found after a lung-busting run in the opening 45 , only for El Ghazi to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but , yet again , gets missed out .
Defended well in the latter stages but he 's not on the pitch for that .
Not cutting it in the final third .
Won a foul early on but Liverpool went up a gear after they scored .
Arrowed an effort well wide moments after coming on .

Liverpool 2 Aston Villa 0
Liverpool menace and old foe Sadio Mane clattered home the killer opening goal to condemn wasteful Aston Villa to another defeat.
Dean Smith's men in green were undone by a lapse of concentration with Mane - scorer of the quickest-ever Premier League hat-trick vs Villa back in 2015 - ghosting in from off the right to side-foot the ball in off the underside off the crossbar.
Just like at Villa Park back in November, the Senegal wide man broke hearts in B6 and afar - undoing all of Villa's good work to strike home what would have felt like a gut-wrenching blow for Smith's Villa.
(Image: Bradley Ormesher NMCPool)
Liverpool prodigy Curtis Jones added a second just a minute from time, slotting home well to seal what was, in the end, a straightforward win for Jurgen Klopp's men.
Head coach Smith had asked for a reaction from his players following last week's gutless defeat to Wolves. The boss blamed that loss on fatigue but, at the home of the champions, Villa showed drive and determination to prove they're up for the relegation scrap.
Such was Villa's solidness from the off, Liverpool didn't register a shot on target until the 37th minute with Mo Salah poking a tame effort on the returning Pepe Reina's goal.
Villa, in a new 4-2-3-1 shape, pressed and probed with Anwar El Ghazi getting the better of Andy Robertson during the early exchanges. Smith, meanwhile, had to deal with an ankle knock to Jack Grealish with the skipper going off twice for treatment before eventually shaking it off.
Right-back Ezri Konsa had Villa's only effort on target in the first half, with Villa lacking that cutting edge needed once again. Grealish did well to whip in a ball but, again, Keinan Davis didn't have the nous to get in where it hurts.
After the break, it was El Ghazi who had two golden chances. The Dutch winger was slid in twice as Villa raced away on two separate counter-attacks. First it was Grealish who teed up his teammate, only for El Ghazi to shoot without any conviction as Alisson palmed his effort away.
Moments later, Douglas Luiz pick-pocketed Virgil Van Djik before slipping El Ghazi in again, this time the winger opted to dribble around Joe Gomez - only to lose the ball and, with it, a fantastic chance to open the scoring.
The story of Villa's season then unfolded in front of our eyes as Mane hammered home what was a hammer blow. Top prospect Jones rubbed salt into the wounds late on. Grealish went close to reduce the arrears but, again, it was all too little too late anyway.
Villa host in-form Manchester United next and must show a cutting edge if they're to get out of the mess they're in.
Pepe Reina 6.5
(Image: Carl Recine/NMC Pool/PA Wire)
Reinstated by Dean Smith since his calamitous showing at Leicester back in March. Could have put a cap on Liverpool's first strike on goal after 37 minutes when Salah punted a weak effort forwards. Saved brilliantly from Firmino on 75 minutes. Couldn't do anything for Liverpool's two goals. Showed good distribution and did enough to keep his shirt for Man United on Thursday.
Ezri Konsa 6
Got caught ball-watching twice in early exchanges and got sucked into a central position, leaving a gaping gap for Liverpool to attack. Headed over from a Douglas Luiz free-kick. Had Salah and Mane to contend with and did OK. Clearly learning the role of full-back.
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Kortney Hause 5
Shanked a pass out of play early on under no pressure. Looked shaky throughout, never comfortable on the ball but won the odd ball in the air.
Tyrone Mings 6
Eat up blocks for fun, was a moving green wall in the first half to keep Liverpool out and at bay. Looked for left-footed clips down the channel. A standing statue for Mane's opener. Really hurt himself after Henderson's knee clattered into his left calf muscle. Screamed in agony but soldiered on. Stranded for Jones' second, too.
Neil Taylor 7
Back in from the start for the first time since the 6-1 hammering by Man City at Villa Park in January. Was aggressive in the tackle and a pest for Mo Salah on Liverpool's right-hand side. Arguably caught for Mane's opener with winger ghosting in. Nevertheless it was a good, experienced performance from the Welshman who didn't take risks. Did well to pick out Grealish late on.
Douglas Luiz 7.5*
(Image: 2020 Pool)
Started off well yet again. Got Robertson in the book after Cruyff-turning the life out of the Scotsman during a double act with El Ghazi. Bit at the ankles of Liverpool's midfield. Always makes himself available for a pass. Impressive and making a name for himself at Villa. Liking what I'm seeing.
John McGinn 7
Back in the starting XI again. Played much deeper than usual alongside Douglas Luiz in a two-man shield in front of the defence. Booked after Grealish's hospital pass left him short before upending Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. Was disciplined and did his role well. Looked much more like the McGinn of old after a weeks' rest. Villa missed his goal-scoring, third-man running exploits due to his new, deeper role. Could come on strong for Villa's final five games now. Here's hoping.
Jack Grealish 7
(Image: Carl Recine/NMC Pool/PA Wire)
Twisted his ankle after spooning a pass. Looked panicky afterwards with the knock clearly affecting his game. Went off for treatment twice complaining of his ankle. Enjoyed a far more fruitful second half. Played on Davis' toes in an advanced role and capitalised on Liverpool errors in the middle of the park. Ran at the Reds' defence before teeing up El Ghazi in a four-on-two attack. Had a goal-bound effort blocked by Van Djik after yet another Villa counter-attack. Looked bamboozled at Alisson's save to deny him in the dying moments. Played as a No.10 and got it much better positions than last week. Better, Jack.
Anwar El Ghazi 6.5
Looked bang up for it from the get-go. Got some joy off Robertson and enjoyed a nice Tango twist, turning his man before winning a foul. Switched flanks and picked out Douglas Luiz who shot at Alisson. Was given a big chance by Grealish. He was slid in twice on goal but, on occasions, failed to really test Alisson. Wasteful, sadly. Replaced by Jota.
Keinan Davis 5
Yet to discover that knack of being in the right place at the right time. For example, Grealish whipped in a perfect cross - yet Davis was nowhere near getting a simple touch on it to strike home. Always protects the ball well and did well with back to goal amid pressure from Virgil Van Djik. Attempted to roll the world's best defender as well, but he failed to trap the ball after being picked out by Grealish. Grew frustrated as the game went on. Replaced by Samatta with 20 to go.
Trezeguet 5
Should have been found after a lung-busting run in the opening 45, only for El Ghazi to under-hit his pass. Plenty of running but, yet again, gets missed out. Defended well in the latter stages but he's not on the pitch for that. Not cutting it in the final third.
Substitutes
Mbwana Samatta (on for Davis, 74) 5.5
Won a foul early on but Liverpool went up a gear after they scored.
Jota (on for El Ghazi, 74) 5.5
Had a goal-bound effort blocked on a rare outing.
Vassilev (on for Trezeguet, 84) 5
Arrowed an effort well wide moments after coming on.