LIVERPOOL - The message from the Anfield faithful was unmistakable. As Liverpool searched for a breakthrough against Aston Villa, the home crowd erupted in a thunderous chant of “Arne Slot,” a powerful show of support for a manager who has faced mounting scrutiny after six defeats in seven games across all competitions.

The chant returned louder still after Ryan Gravenberch doubled Liverpool’s lead in the second half, sealing a much-needed 2–0 victory. The Reds’ first Premier League win since September 20 marked the end of a grim stretch and offered hope that their season may finally be turning around.

Back on that September afternoon against Everton, few could have imagined Liverpool enduring such a barren run. Yet, after four straight league defeats, the team entered this clash desperate to avoid equalling a record of five consecutive top-flight losses — something not seen since the 1953–54 season.

Goals from Mohamed Salah and Gravenberch ensured that didn’t happen. The win halted the slump and rekindled optimism ahead of a critical week. Having spent much of the past month on the road, returning to Anfield gave Slot’s side both a familiar stage and a reinvigorated fan base ready to lift their team through sheer noise and belief.

That passion was captured late in the first half when Dominik Szoboszlai’s determined tackle to win a throw-in drew a roar usually reserved for goals. The Hungarian midfielder had earlier missed a golden opportunity after stealing possession from Pau Torres, while Salah and Ibrahima Konaté also failed to convert promising chances.

Villa, for their part, threatened through Morgan Rogers, who hit the post, and Matty Cash, whose shot was tipped over by Giorgi Mamardashvili. Hugo Ekitike even had a goal ruled out for offside — a sign that luck might finally be siding with Liverpool.

Moments before halftime, a wayward pass from Emiliano Martínez gifted Salah the simplest of chances, and the Egyptian made no mistake, rolling in his 250th goal for the club. It wasn’t spectacular, but it was symbolic — a reward for Salah’s persistence and a spark the team badly needed.

Salah’s strike also placed him alongside Wayne Rooney for total Premier League goal involvements (276) for a single club, with 188 goals and 88 assists in a Liverpool shirt — a testament to his enduring influence.

Gravenberch’s deflected second-half effort sealed the win, and from there, the Reds managed the game with discipline. It wasn’t vintage Liverpool, but it didn’t need to be. After weeks of chaos and late heartbreaks, this was a display of control and composure — perhaps exactly what Arne Slot needed to reassert his authority and calm the storm.

Slot acknowledged the fans’ impact after the match:

“It meant a lot, especially because it happened at 0–0,” he said. “When you’re in a tough period as a club, and the supporters stand behind you anyway, that shows what makes this club special. They remember when things were good — and they help you through when they’re not.”

The victory also brought Slot to an impressive milestone — 100 Premier League points in just 48 games, a record shared only with Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish. It’s a reminder that, despite the recent struggles, the Dutchman’s overall record remains strong.

Tougher challenges, however, await. Real Madrid visit Anfield next week in the UEFA Champions League, followed by a daunting trip to Manchester City. Last season, Liverpool beat Villa, Madrid, and City in succession without conceding a goal. Repeating that run would be an enormous statement of revival.

For now, though, Liverpool’s win over Villa feels like a turning point — a moment when team, coach, and supporters pulled together again. After a difficult few weeks, the roar of Anfield sounded like belief returning.