Liverpool went five points clear of reigning champions Manchester City with a 2-0 win over Aston Villa. Goals from Mohamed Salah and Darwin Nunez helped the Reds to victory, although fans were concerned as Trent Alexander-Arnold had to be subbed off in the first half. His setback comes at a time when rumors state that he’s closer than ever to leaving the club.
Trent Alexander-Arnold started on the right in defense for Arne Slot‘s side, but had to be substituted for Conor Bradley in the 25th minute. Although it appeared that the Englishman suffered a hamstring injury, there is yet to be any official communication regarding the same.
It’s difficult to say how serious it is, but it’s always serious if a player goes out in the first half. Not because I didn’t like him, but he asked for it himself. He felt something.
Arne Slot told the press via Rousing The Kop
🚨🏴| Trent Alexander-Arnold had to come off early with a hamstring injury.
Wide ranges of possibilities here – scans will be required to determine its severity.
🤕⏳ Recovery Time:
• If tightness: Less than a week
• If grade 1: 2-4 weeks
• If grade 2: 4-6 weeks🗞️… https://t.co/YfvlcNzsdU pic.twitter.com/Gn2mKhNpEU
— Anfield Pulse (@_AnfieldPulse) November 9, 2024
Besides his injury, fans are also concerned whether the player will sign a new contract with the club amidst rising uncertainty.
Can Liverpool hold their ground at the top of the Premier League?
With 11 games played in the Premier League, Arne Slot’s side have already racked up 28 points. With a 2-1 loss to Brighton on Saturday, Manchester City have fallen five points behind the Reds. Even though 11 games may be too soon to predict the winner, Liverpool are in a position any team would kill for at the moment.

City look like a side in complete disarray, and with their ongoing injury crisis, not many believe that Pep Guardiola‘s side can recover from the deficit. Arne Slot, however, isn’t making too much of the current situation. He stated following the win over Unai Emery’s side that his side still only has a ‘bit of a margin’.
Arne Slot has made the best start by any Premier League manager in history, with 15 wins from 17 competitive games in charge.
Liverpool are top of the Premier League. 🥇 pic.twitter.com/8VtGquN27J
— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) November 9, 2024
With Mohamed Salah in electric form, fans are hoping that the 32-year-old can keep up the same throughout the season. The Reds have crucial games coming up, both in the Champions League against Real Madrid and the Premier League against Man City. A win over City will put them 8 points clear by December!