Everton get a corner after fine Alex Iwobi work down the left.

Demarai Gray puts it in but it's wasted.

Hold on, the ball is sailing out of play and John McGinn decides to stick a boot out at it.

Almost hit the jackpot.

Matty Cash pulls a shot wide from the edge of the area after John McGinn's effort from a presentable position was blocked.

Image source, Getty Images

Matt Targett is soldiering on for now.

Meanwhile, Salomon Rondon is unable to find the target with his header following Alex Iwobi's cross.

Matt Targett is down on the deck, it looks like a thigh issue and the physios are on to give it a rub.

Does the bucket and magic sponge still exist?

Demarai Gray is a man on fire.

The Everton winger cuts in onto his left peg and his shot is blocked by Villa skipper Tyrone Mings.

Tony Onduli: That was a game Liverpool would have given points away in last season but we look like we’re building a title winning team. Konate was assured, Henderson dominant; Thiago classy and Milner - well exceptional - masterclass in being himself! Top of the league!

Ollie Watkins drives forward and is dispossessed and the ball lands nicely for John McGinn 25 yards out, but the Scot curls wide.

Lucas Digne comes forward, crosses it straight out of play.

Dennis Ethan: End-to-End stuff! You gotta love this match. It's quite atmospheric!

Dean Smith is pondering his side's start.

It has been a decent one.

Image source, Getty Images

What's Craig Shakespeare whispering about?

Image source, Getty Images

Villa midfielder John McGinn needs some treatment after a facial knock, but the Scot is made of stern stuff and can battle on.

The in form Demarai Gray is starting to exert his influence on the game.

The former England youth international skins Matty Cash before cutting a ball into the box but Salomon Rondon cannot get on the end of it even at full stretch.

At the other end, Andros Townsend whips in another dangerous delivery, Michael Keane meets it but Emiliano Martinez lets it drop wide like a batsman leaving a delivery.

Would have been a beautiful goal.

Aston Villa work a training ground move from a free-kick, Ezri Konsa heading the ball across for Tyrone Mings to head back towards the same direction.

It falls for Danny Ings eight yards out and the England striker improvises with an outside-of-the-foot strike which goes just wide of the post.

Matt Cash is wiping down the ball for a long throw ala Rory Delap but it has too much juice on it and Asmir Begovic catches unchallenged inside his six yard box.

Liverpool

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp, speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "I told the boys that is one of the most hard-fought 3-0s I ever saw. We gave everything. We scored from set-pieces. Palace defended pretty well. I tell the boys, this is one of those games we need to win. We were not brilliant. The chips behind our full-backs gave us distance to cover. It makes the pitch really big. They have quality. We kept them quiet somehow. We need Alisson in moments, that is normal. I am fine with the game.

"We did not plan to leave Trent (Alexander-Arnold) out. He did not feel well after breakfast this morning. It is not Covid at least. You have to be sensible in these moments and send him home. Milly (James Milner) stepped in and for me it was man of the match performance. He was exceptional. He played outstanding. Like a young man."

On Ibrahima Konate: "Top. It is something you dream of and want desperately but when it is coming it is different. You want the team to watch the games and see what we do. We need to have experience from what we see. And he did really well. So much potential. He will get better. Today, against Benteke and Edouard and Zaha, there were situtions where it is new for him. Step by step."

On Sadio Mane: "His 100th goal for Liverpool. A massive mark. These boys work so hard and they reward themselves with these situations. It was a really good game for Sadio. He worked incredibly hard again. Mo scored from a set-piece too. And Naby... wow!"

Asmir Begovic is in for his Everton league debut and makes a stunning reflex save to deny Tyrone Mings' header at the near post.

John McGinn is unable to convert from the follow up.

Norwich City

Striker Josh Sargent on making his Norwich debut: "It's bittersweet. I'm very happy to make my debut. The team is frustrated, the fans are frustrated, we wanted to get the points. Very disappointed.

"It is what it is, we can't lose focus, we can't give up at all. We've got to be focused and get the points we need."