Sadio Mane snatched victory for Liverpool in a close-run game with Aston Villa.

Trezeguet had given the hosts a first-half lead when he squeezed a shot past Alisson that appeared to threaten the Reds’ unbeaten start to the season.

But Andy Robertson ensured Jurgen Klopp’s side would take at least a point from Villa Park when he met Mane’s cross to the far post just three minutes from time.

Provider turned poacher in injury time as Mane converted a Trent Alexander-Arnold corner to maintain Liverpool’s six-point lead in the Premier League title race.

Here were the key talking points from Villa Park:

Reds’ never-say-die spirit shines again

 

If ever Liverpool’s current Premier League title credentials needed verifying, events of the past week alone have provided the ultimate burden of proof.

Three games and three decisive late goals show the qualities which Jurgen Klopp’s side have often lacked in previous bids for domestic supremacy.

But Sadio Mane’s stoppage time heroics are merely a continuation of a recurring theme within the Anfield armoury when it comes to clawing back deficits.

In each of their previous five games from all competitions, the European champions have scored decisive goals in the final 15 minutes of games.

Leaving it late has increasingly become the leaders’ greatest strength.

Fabinho dilemma exposes midfield

 

Klopp admitted that he was mindful of fielding Fabinho at the risk of him potentially missing next weekend’s all-important visit of Manchester City.

The Brazilian enforcer would have been walking a disciplinary tightrope against the Villains, with another booking ruling him out for the champions’ visit.

Except the Liverpool manager’s attempt to exercise caution almost backfired.

Fabinho has become so influential because of the calming presence and guile that he provides to the midfield; something which was sorely lacking in the Midlands.

Adam Lallana again underwhelmed in the holding role on the back of his abject display in the same role during Wednesday’s Carabao Cup win over Arsenal.

Despite flashes after the interval, it seems that the attacker’s reinvention as a no.6 and the ‘Baby Busquets’ which accompanied it is still a work in progress.

VAR conspiracy officially ends

 

Contrary to social media conspiracies, VAR is not going to win Liverpool the title.

Given how the system has routinely conspired against them during the opening months of the campaign, it is probably just as well they are not counting on it.

Mane fell afoul of the technology as he was booked in the first half for simulation in the penalty area despite replays showing contact from Frederic Guilbert.

Roberto Firmino had even more grounds for complaints after scoring a close-range equaliser that was chalked off as VAR adjudged him to be offside.

The only thing offside about Liverpool’s influential forward was his armpit.

Further inaccuracies befell the visitors as they scoured for an equaliser when Bjorn Engels handball of a goal-bound effort was not even subject to review.

If Anfield’s 30-year wait for domestic glory does end this season, it will actually be in spite of VAR rather than because of it.

Trent delivers a perfect ton-up

 

A century of games is no mean feat for any Liverpool player.

But Trent Alexander-Arnold reaching that career milestone carries an added significance, barely over three years since making his professional debut.

Records have been set, trophies lifted and the West Derby-born player is now considered to be among Europe’s most proficient attacking full-backs.

On his landmark outing, Alexander-Arnold rose to the occasion as arguably the biggest threat of Klopp’s side going forward in the opening 45 minutes.

A third league assist rounded off yet another impressive display from the 21-year-old, who became the fourth fastest Liverpool player to reach 100 matches.

That he managed it in a quicker time than two European Cup-winning captains in Phil Thompson and Emlyn Hughes should not be underestimated.