Former Manchester United favourite Patrice Evra believes it is 'no Mane, no party' for Liverpool.
Mane was absent from Liverpool's shock 7-2 defeat to Aston Villa on Sunday night after testing positive for coronavirus.
And the Reds missed him dearly, according to former Man United defender turned Sky Sports pundit Evra.
"When there is no Mane, there is no party because he is the one giving the pressure," he said after the game.
"Firmino is not an aggressive player, Salah is not an aggressive player, so I think they missed Mane a lot.
"But actually, the Villa manager must be so proud. They executed the plan perfectly. They prepared that game.
"Even Grealish from the wide position, cutting inside, he created so much damage for Liverpool.
"Well done to Aston Villa."
Evra continued his praise for Villa and defended what some might see as 'long ball' tactics.
"I always say, when you beat Liverpool's first pressure, you have a chance to beat Liverpool," he said.
"They press so high. I know some people don't like it when teams play long ball, but this is not long ball, this is behind the defence and they recognised they could hurt Liverpool.
"And I really don't understand why the Liverpool defence kept playing like they did."
For more reaction catch the latest Post-Game podcast from Blood Red HERE
Next up for the Reds after the international break is a trip to Goodison Park to take on current table toppers Everton.
*Does Evra have a point about Liverpool? Have your say in the comments section below.
