Liverpool vs Aston Villa LIVE: Premier League result, final score and reaction today

Follow all the action as Steven Gerrard returns to Anfield

'Gerrard will definitely manage Liverpool' Klopp on Stevie's return to Anfield

There was no happy homecoming for Steven Gerrard, no “celebrating like a crazy devil,” no narratives feeding into future ambitions. The man he termed “100 per cent the best player in the world now” saw to that, firing in a low, hard penalty to further Liverpool’s title fight.

Mohamed Salah’s direct goal contribution ticked over to 14 consecutive league games, his 67th-minute winner deflating an Aston Villa side that departed without a shot on target.

The task was not to make it easy for Liverpool, but Gerrard’s men didn’t figure it would be this hard to conjure threat of their own.

The scoreline belied a story of enterprise versus total obstruction, with substitute Diogo Jota missing a glorious chance late on to make that more clear.

Liverpool vs Aston Villa

• LIV XI: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson; Fabinho, Henderson, Thiago; Salah, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Mane
• AVL XI: Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Mings, Targett; McGinn, Nakamba, Luiz; J Ramsey, Watkins, A Young
• 67’ - Salah wins and scores a penalty after Mings’ foul
• Liverpool 1-0 Aston Villa: Match report

[11 December 2021 17:17 · Michael Jones]

Norwich vs Man Utd

Manchester United are vying to win three consecutive league games for only the second time this season. They can keep successive Premier League clean sheets for the first time since a run of four from February to March 2021.

But, United have conceded nine goals in their last four Premier League away fixtures, as many as in their previous 16.

[11 December 2021 17:15 · Michael Jones]

Norwich vs Man Utd

Norwich’s tally of 10 points is one fewer than they had at the same stage of their most recent Premier League season in 2019-20.

They have taken four points from two home games since Dean Smith became head coach, in contrast to one point out of a possible 15 at Carrow Road under Daniel Farke.

But, they have failed to score in nine Premier League matches this season, more than any other side.

[11 December 2021 17:10 · Michael Jones]

Norwich vs Man Utd: Manchester United should not convince Paul Pogba to stay if he wants to leave, says Ralf Rangnick

Ralf Rangnick does not believe that he or anyone else at Manchester United should attempt to convince Paul Pogba to stay at Old Trafford if his mind is already set on leaving.

Pogba’s contract is set to expire during the summer and, with no sign of a new deal being imminent, he will be able to discuss a prospective free transfer with clubs across Europe in January.

[11 December 2021 17:07 · Michael Jones]

Norwich vs Man Utd

Norwich have lost eight of the last 10 Premier League meetings between the two teams. Manchester United have won on 11 of their last 13 visits to Carrow Road in all competitions.

The most recent encounter between the sides was an FA Cup quarter-final tie in June 2020, with United winning 2-1 away after extra-time.

[11 December 2021 16:59 · Michael Jones]

Norwich vs Man Utd

Okay, just one more game to go today as Norwich City host Manchester United. Here’s a reminder of the two line-ups:

Norwich XI: Krul, Aarons, Hanley, Kabak, Giannoulis, Gilmour, Rupp, McLean, Sargent, Placheta, Pukki

Man Utd XI: De Gea, Dalot, Lindelof, Maguire, Telles, McTominay, Fred, Sancho, Fernandes, Rashford, Ronaldo

[11 December 2021 16:56 · Michael Jones]

Elsewhere in the Premier League

Chelsea have won at Stamford Bridge after a tough game against Leeds ends 3-2 in favour of the Blues. Jorginho converted twice from the penalty spot.

Also in London Arsenal cruised to a 3-0 victory over Southampton at the Emirates Stadium.

[11 December 2021 16:54 · Michael Jones]

Full-time: Liverpool 1 - 0 Aston Villa

90+4 mins: There goes the final whistle at Anfield. Mo Salah’s penalty is the only difference between the two teams! The Reds maintain their record of scoring in every game this season and move back to just one point behind Manchester City.

[11 December 2021 16:52 · Michael Jones]

GOAL! Chelsea 3 - 2 Leeds ⚽️

90+4 mins: Chelsea earn another penalty after Antonio Rudiger is brought down in the box. Jorginho steps up and sends it the other way this time. Chelsea are in front once again! That should be that now at Stamford Bridge.

[11 December 2021 16:50 · Michael Jones]

Liverpool 1 - 0 Aston Villa

90 mins: Four minutes of added time to play at Anfield. Will Liverpool close out this game or can Villa find an equaliser? The former looks the most likely outcome at the minute.

[11 December 2021 16:48 · Michael Jones]

Liverpool 1 - 0 Aston Villa

87 mins: Penalty shout forAston Villa!

Morgan Sanson slides a through ball up to Danny Ings and plays him into the area. Alisson comes flying out of the box and kicks the ball away. It hits Matip and rebounds back into the box where Ings is waiting. The goalkeeper swipes at the ball and connects with the Aston Villa striker who goes down. There’s a VAR check but Alisson got just enough on the ball before taking out the man. No penalty.