What the Kop did at full-time spoke volumes as Liverpool silence detractors

As the Liverpool players approached an ecstatic Kop after the final whistle, there came a response to their show of appreciation. But rather than repeating the earlier chants of their team being top of the league, the supporters reacted with a guttural roar that gradually rose to a crescendo.

Part delight, part defiance, it’s one that has been heard before in these parts, particularly during the Jurgen Klopp era and usually after a hard-earned victory.

And there’s no doubt Liverpool had to dig out these three points against an awkward Aston Villa side whose showing belied a run that has now seen four successive defeats.

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Having played their part in the second half of the comeback victory against Brighton last weekend and Tuesday’s Champions League romp against Bayer Leverkusen, this time the Anfield crowd aided Liverpool in a different manner.

Yes, there was the usual vocal support for the attacking play that reached peaks with goals in each half from Darwin Nunez and Mohamed Salah.

But where Anfield truly made a difference was in recognising the defensive efforts – led by centre-back Ibrahima Konate and goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher – in keeping Villa at bay.

And, what’s more, there was none of the nervousness that could easily have descended as the visitors began to probe in the second half. With Liverpool imposing their new controlled approach on proceedings, the home support is starting to learn the rhythms and patterns, and remained as patient as the team in periods.

While the circumstances were rather different, it was just over five years ago that a win over Villa was regarded as key juncture in Liverpool’s ultimately successful Premier League title charge, keeping them six points clear after 11 games ahead of a home game against second-placed Manchester City.

This time the lead is five points. And while there is a trip to Southampton immediately after the international break, the Reds’ next home game sees Pep Guardiola’s side visit. The coincidences are accruing.

Liverpool’s detractors have this season been swift to cast doubt over the strength of the opposition they continue to swat aside.

But the fact is there’s a very good and deserved reason the Reds are yet to play anybody above them in the table this season. So far, so very good for Arne Slot’s side.