Liverpool Held to Thrilling Draw by Aston Villa in Premier League Clash
Liverpool were held to a thrilling 2-2 draw by Aston Villa at Villa Park, with Trent Alexander-Arnold’s deflected strike rescuing a point for the Premier League leaders. The result leaves Liverpool eight points clear at the top, though Arsenal could close the gap to five points if they win their game in hand.
Mohamed Salah opened the scoring for Liverpool in the 29th minute, capitalising on a defensive error by Andres Garcia, who passed straight to Diogo Jota. The Portuguese forward squared the ball to Salah, who slotted home his 24th goal of the season. However, Villa responded swiftly, with Youri Tielemans equalising in the 38th minute after Liverpool failed to clear a free-kick. Ollie Watkins then put Villa ahead on the stroke of half-time, heading home from close range after Liverpool’s defence switched off.
Liverpool fought back in the second half, with Alexander-Arnold’s deflected shot in the 61st minute beating Emiliano Martinez to level the score. The Reds had chances to win the game, most notably when substitute Darwin Nunez missed a golden opportunity, blazing over an open goal from close range. At the other end, Donyell Malen came close to snatching victory for Villa, but his late effort flashed just wide.
Liverpool boss Arne Slot expressed frustration with the result, stating, “If you look at the chances, it’s clear which team should have won this game.” He also lamented Nunez’s miss, describing it as a “big chance” that could have secured all three points. Meanwhile, Villa manager Unai Emery acknowledged the draw was fair, praising his team’s resilience against the league leaders.
The result leaves Liverpool with a significant but not unassailable lead in the title race, while Villa remain in the hunt for European qualification. Both teams will now turn their attention to crucial fixtures, with Liverpool facing Manchester City next weekend.
Aston Villa 2-2 Liverpool: Premier League – as it happened
Trent Alexander-Arnold earned Liverpool a point after Villa bounced back from Mohamed Salah’s opener to lead through Youri Tielemans and Ollie Watkins
www.theguardian.com
Aston Villa vs Liverpool LIVE: Premier League result and reaction
Aston Villa 2-2 Liverpool: Trent Alexander-Arnold’s deflected strike secured a draw as the Reds extended their lead to eight points
www.independent.co.uk
Confirmed Liverpool line-up v Aston Villa - Liverpool FC
Curtis Jones returns for Liverpool’s Premier League fixture at Aston Villa this evening.
www.liverpoolfc.com
Aston Villa vs Liverpool - goals, highlights and reaction
Live updates from the Premier League clash between the Reds and Villa on Wednesday night
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk
Aston Villa vs. Liverpool: Team news, match info and 10 key things to know
Read the full preview here.
www.thisisanfield.com
‘There are a few reasons why Mohamed Salah might not win the Ballon d'Or - the voting process definitely takes that into account, so that may work against his chances’: Liverpool great John Aldridge on what’s holding Salah back from glory
Aldridge believes Anfield’s current goal machine is in a league of his own right now, but still worries he won’t be recognised for his efforts
www.fourfourtwo.com
Aston Villa predicted line-up vs Liverpool as Rashford decision made
Liverpool makes the trip to Aston Villa as it looks to extend its lead at the top of the Premier League. Marcus Rashford could be in line for his firs
www.liverpool.com
Aston Villa vs Liverpool: Premier League - LIVE
Victory would give Reds a 10-point advantage over Arsenal in the title race
www.standard.co.uk
Reason Arne Slot is on touchline for Villa vs Liverpool despite 'two game ban'
Arne Slot may have been given a red card in the fiery Merseyside Derby clash against Everton, but the Liverpool manager's fate is yet to be decided by
www.mirror.co.uk