Liverpool extended its gap over Manchester City at the top of the English Premier League to five points on Saturday thanks to goals from Darwin Nunez and Mohamed Salah in a 2-0 victory over its guest Aston Villa.

City's defeat earlier today prompted Liverpool to play aggressively from the start, with Nunez scoring in the 20th minute after a lightning counterattack at Anfield.

Goalkeeper Kevin Kelleher made some dangerous saves to preserve Liverpool's lead before Salah killed the game in the 84th minute and maintained his team's exciting start to the season under new coach Arne Slott.

The team has won 15 of 17 matches in all competitions since the Dutch coach replaced Jurgen Klopp.

Coach Sloat's team has 28 points from 11 matches, while defending champion City has 23 points.

Aston Villa's third defeat in the league this season left the team in eighth place with 18 points.