Aston Villa v Liverpool: Reds triumph 3-1 at Villa Park

Matip and Mane hand Klopp's side vital win

Liverpool secured a crucial 3-1 victory over Aston Villa at Villa Park on Saturday, with goals from Joel Matip and Sadio Mane.

Matip opened the scoring with a powerful header in the 18th minute, and Mane doubled the lead just before half-time after a fine run and finish.

Ollie Watkins pulled one back for Villa in the second half, but Thiago Alcantara restored Liverpool's two-goal advantage with a stunning long-range strike.

The win moves Liverpool into the top four of the Premier League table, level on points with third-placed Manchester City.

Villa, meanwhile, remain in 10th place after suffering their third defeat in their last four matches.

Liverpool's victory is a major boost to their top-four hopes, while Villa's defeat leaves them looking over their shoulder at the teams below them.