Blocks, last-ditch tackles and reflex saves were a common theme before the Reds finally found a way through after 67 minutes. It did not always look like Liverpool were going to score, but in the end, Salah's nifty work to force a clumsy challenge from Tyrone Mings inside the box was enough to secure a penalty and ensure Salah has contributed to a goal in every single one of his Premier League matches for Liverpool since August.The opening Liverpool goal also ensured Liverpool have matched a club record total of scoring in 31 consecutive matches in all competitions.Villa struggled to find their feet in attack and were unable to unpick a stout Liverpool as Gerrard lost an away game for the first time as Villa head coach.Liverpool remained at second spot in the table behind defending champions Manchester City, who defeated Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-0 in an early match. City are on 38 points with Liverpool second with 37. Chelsea, who prevailed over Leeds United 3-2, are placed third with 36 points from 16 matches.In another match on Saturday, Arsenal defeated Southampton 3-0 despite playing winout their skipper Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was dropped for the match because of 'a disciplinary breach'.
--IANSbsk
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