By David Awopetu
Ollie Watkins struck a first-half hat-trick and Jack Grealish stole the show in an emphatic fashion as Aston Villa claimed an incredible 7-2 victory over Premier League champions, Liverpool, on Sunday.
Liverpool, missing few key players such as the ever impressive talisman, Sadio Mane, and midfielder, Thiago Alcantara, due to a positive coronavirus tests, were also without first-choice goalkeeper, Alisson, because of a shoulder injury and paid the price for some shambolic defending at Villa Park, with John McGinn adding to Watkins’ treble in a rampant opening period for Dean Smith’s men who narrowly avoided relegation on the last day of last season.
Dean Smith’s side continued to cut through a shell-shocked Liverpool in the second half as deflected goals from Barkley and Jack Grealish further extended their lead.
Klopp’s side did net twice through Mohammed Salah, but it was the hosts who completed the scoring, on what was a magical and historic evening, as captain Grealish added a seventh.
This is the first time in 18 attempts that Villa have beaten the reigning champions at home – the last was a 3-2 win over Arsenal in December 1998.
“We never dreamed of getting a result like this,” said Villa boss, Dean Smith.
“The performance was outstanding from start to finish. We created an awful lot of chances against an exceptional defence and team. We had to work very hard.”
