Reaction'A very big win' - Alexis Mac Allister's verdict on Liverpool 2-0 Aston Villa

Breakaway goals from Darwin Nunez and Mohamed Salah in either half at Anfield saw Arne Slot's Reds strengthen their position at the summit.

Nunez opened the scoring in the 20th minute following a cleared Villa corner, and Salah then sealed the win late in the second half.

• Read our match report from Anfield here

"A very big win against a very good team," Mac Allister told TNT Sports shortly after the final whistle. "I think we dominated the game, we played a very good game.

"The goals came in counter-attacks but I think overall the team played a very good game. We are happy with it.

"We know that we are top of the league but there is still a lot of games, so we take it step by step."

He continued: "If you are top of the league, five points ahead, then it means something. But as I say, we have to go step by step.

"If you ask me before the season started, I wouldn't say we were candidates but now it looks like [we are]. We are going to keep working and trying to get better."

Mac Allister was effusive in his praise for the contribution from Salah, who has now reached double figures for goals and assists this season.

The Egyptian was credited with setting up Nunez's opener before he kept his cool to finish past Emiliano Martinez six minutes from time in front of the Anfield Road Stand.

"He's so good and so important for this team, I think we all know – not just for the team, for the club as well," Mac Allister said of the No.11. "He's a legend here. So, [I'm] happy for him.

"When you have him, you know that he's going to deliver, he's going to get the numbers. We're happy that he's playing for us."