Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp said he was delighted with forward Mohamed Salah’s display in a more central role after the Egyptian’s goal sealed a 1-0 Premier League victory over champions Manchester City on Sunday.

Salah raced away from Joao Cancelo to score and give his side a much-needed win after they came into the encounter having suffered their worst start to a Premier League season after eight games since 2012-13.

“Absolutely outstanding,” Klopp told reporters. “Obviously he was one of two strikers in the centre together with Roberto Firmino. The goal was world class.”

Klopp said Salah, who typically plays in a wider role, was unlucky not to have scored earlier. “The situation immediately before was really unlucky that he didn’t score there already. Apart from that, good on the ball, a constant threat in behind, working extremely hard, an outstanding performance,” he added.

Salah, who was also deployed more centrally when he scored the fastest hat-trick in Champions League history as Liverpool beat Rangers 7-1 last Wednesday, said he hoped the two wins would kick-start their season.

“Hopefully it gives us more confidence so we start winning games. The last few weeks, as you saw, we were not on our best,” Salah said.

“We started already from the last game and this game as well we won so we need to carry on.”

Valiant Gerrard

Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard said he will not hide from the intense criticism he is facing from sections of the club’s supporters after Sunday’s 2-0 home defeat by Chelsea prompted jeers from the stands.

Mason Mount’s double gave the visitors a win that heaped more pressure on Gerrard, whose side are 16th in the Premier League and one point above the relegation zone.

“I think I’d be stupid not to concern myself or be aware of where we are and I accept that,” said Gerrard.

“Every time I’ve spoken to the media, I’ve fronted up and I won’t hide from the responsibility, the criticism or the noises that are coming from the stands today (Sunday).”