Liverpool finally ended their 4 game Premier League losing streak, securing a 2-0 victory over Aston Villa at Anfield in gameweek 10 of the 2025/2026 EPL season.
Both sides were level on 15 points entering the game.
However, their respective form this season has been in stark contrast.
The Reds opened the season with five consecutive wins and sat at the top of the table, but four recent defeats pushed them down to seventh place.
Meanwhile, the Villans began with three draws and two defeats, sitting 18th, before climbing steadily with four straight wins to reach eighth before this fixture.
These contrasting trajectories added intrigue to the contest.
Additionally, the tactical direction of both teams prompted further interest.
In possession, Aston Villa aim to build from deep, while out of possession, Liverpool look to press aggressively to regain the ball and generate turnovers that lead to shooting opportunities.
Their approach is reflected in the numbers:
Liverpool sit joint first with Manchester United for shots created from high pressing actions, with 53 attempts.
LFC are also joint first with Nottingham Forest for shots produced from counterattacks, with 11.
These figures highlight Liverpool’s aggressive intent to convert ball recoveries into clear shooting chances.
This game followed a similar theme.
Facing a side capable of adapting during build-up against different pressing structures, Liverpool worked to find the most effective scheme to execute their high press and force turnovers that could create further shooting chances.
This tactical analysis examines how Arne Slot employed his high-pressing tactics to defeat Unai Emerys Aston Villa.
Liverpool Vs Aston Villa Lineups & Formations
Lets start with how Arne Slot and Unai Emery started the game.
Arne Slot opened with a 4-2-3-1 formation, which at times shifted into a 4-3-3 depending on the phase.
Giorgi Mamardashvili started in goal behind a back four of Ibrahima Konaté and Virgil van Dijk at right and left centre-backs, as well as Conor Bradley and Andrew Robertson as right and left full-backs.
The thre
