Mohamed Salah equals Sir Kenny Dalglish goal record in Liverpool win over Aston Villa and Andy Robertson sets Premier League assists record, but Darwin Nunez’s struggles continue

Mohamed Salah moved level with Sir Kenny Dalglish for Liverpool goals as he helped the Reds to a 3-1 win at Aston Villa.

It was a hard-fought win for the Reds at Villa Park on Boxing Day, however, their victory could've been a whole lot easier had Darwin Nunez had his shooting boots on.

5

5

Nunez was guilty of spurning a number of big chances in their Carabao Cup defeat to Manchester City, missed four key opportunities in the match.

The first came in the opening two minutes when Andy Robertson picked out the Uruguayan with a cross from the left, only for Nunez to inexplicably dummy the ball, which was subsequently cleared.

Moments later Salah put Liverpool ahead with a simple tap-in after Trent Alexander-Arnold found Robertson with a delightful pass - the Scot duly passed to Salah with a simple ball across goal. The goal is Salah's 172nd for Liverpool, meaning he's now joint-seventh with Dalglish for goals in the Reds' all-time list.

Meanwhile, Robertson became the defender who has recorded the most assists in Premier League history, moving ahead of Leighton Baines with 54.

Nunez was lacking in composure, as were Aston Villa with Leon Bailey and Ollie Watkings failing to make the most of good opportunities in the first half.

Nunez then had a volley saved by Robin Olsen but the Liverpool man could've taken on more touches to set himself up for an easier finish.

Most read in Football

UEFA delete social media post 'trolling' Tottenham Hotspur

'One of the best things' - Frank Lampard reacts as EFL star achieves rare darts feat

Wenger wants huge Europa League rule change ahead of possible Man United vs Spurs final

Harry Kane wants ultimate Alan Shearer record as desired Bayern departure date revealed

5

5

Virgil van Dijk doubled Liverpool's lead as he fired in a loose ball with his left peg after Villa failed to clear a corner away.

An entertaining second half saw Salah have an effort save by Olsen, while Bailey made a complete hash of a ball pulled back to him.

But Watkins made no mistake with a header from Douglas Luiz's cross, which he did excellently to steer past Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson just shy of the hour.

Nunez had his fourth big chance of the match on 75 minutes as he was played through on goal but he dragged his shot wide with his left foot.

But Spanish midfielder Stefan Bajcetic made no mistake on 80 minutes as he rounded Olsen before firing through Tyrone Mings just moments after coming on to seal Liverpool's win.

Top Liverpool scorers

Ian Rush: 346 goals
Roger Hunt: 285 goals
Gordon Hodgson: 241 goals
Billy Liddell: 228 goals
Steven Gerrard: 186 goals
Robbie Fowler: 183 goals
Mo Salah: 172 goals
Kenny Dalglish: 172 goals

5