Sadio Mane Liverpool 2019-20Getty Images

Mane extends fine scoring run against Aston Villa with Liverpool opener

Sadio Mane continued his fine form in front of goal against Aston Villa with the opening strike in Liverpool's 2-0 victory.

Sunday's effort means the 28-year-old has been involved in eight goals in his last five Premier League appearances against the Claret and Blue - six goals and two assists.

Following a goalless first-half, Mane broke the deadlock at Anfield in the 71st minute, thanks to Naby Keita’s assist.

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The strike was his sixth Premier League goal against Aston Villa, and he also scored the winning goal against Dean Smith’s side in the reverse fixture back in November, after providing an assist for Andy Robertson’s equaliser in that fixture.

Mane has also registered his 20th goal for Liverpool across all competitions this season, a feat he has reached in his last three seasons with the Reds.

He scored 20 goals in the 2017-18 campaign, and he grabbed 26 goals the following the season which included 22 league goals that earned him the 2018-19 Premier League Golden Boot alongside teammate Mohamed Salah and Arsenal’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Sunday's smash hit stood as Mane’s 50th effort at Anfield since he joined Liverpool from Southampton in June 2016.

So far this season, the 28-year-old has contributed 16 goals and seven assists in helping the Reds end their 30-year wait for a Premier League title.

Second-half substitute Curtis Jones sealed maximum points for Jurgen Klopp's men four minutes after replacing Keita in the 85th minute.

The triumph moved Liverpool's tally at the top of the league table to 89 points after 33 matches.

They visit Brighton and Hove Albion for their next Premier League fixture on Wednesday before hosting Burnley on Merseyside on July 11.

A trip to Arsenal followed by a home game against Chelsea and a fixture against Newcastle United will complete Liverpool's 2019-20 successful league season.

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