Liverpool were held to a 2-2 draw at Aston Villa as the Premier League leaders dropped points to give Arsenal hope in the title race.
Substitute Darwin Nunez had a chance to win it but blazed over in the closing stages as Trent Alexander-Arnold’s second-half deflected strike earned Liverpool a point to stretch their advantage to eight points having played a game more than Arsenal.
Emi Martinez produced a goal-saving tackle after a Tyrone Mings mistake late in the game
Ollie Watkins headed Villa into the lead just before half-time as they came from behind after gifting Mohamed Salah the opener, but the visitors were only ahead for nine minutes before Youri Tielemans equalised.
Liverpool now face big games at Manchester City, live on Sky Sports this Sunday, and Newcastle in the Premier League as the title race hots up, with Arsenal knowing they can close the gap to five points. Aston Villa remain in ninth after pushing the leaders all the way despite a host of defensive injuries.
Watkins celebrates his goal against Liverpool
Alexander-Arnold was hooked soon after his equaliser and appeared unhappy with Arne Slot’s decision to replace him with Conor Bradley, who was then forced off with injury 23 minutes after coming on.
Villa fought back impressively after a difficult opening period as Marcus Rashford shone on his first start for the hosts. The Manchester United loanee had a curling effort cleared off the line and won the free-kick that led to Tielemans’ equaliser.
Tielemans celebrates his equaliser
Diogo Jota missed a glorious chance to restore Liverpool’s lead instantly after Villa levelled, but completely miscued his strike when through on goal against Emi Martinez.
Andres Garcia, signed by Villa in the winter transfer window, was at fault for Liverpool’s opener as he passed the ball to Jota, who squared for Salah to score his 24th league goal of the season. The goal had been coming as Liverpool targeted Villa’s sloppy build-up play.
Salah celebrates his opener at Aston Villa
Whether Liverpool live to regret their spurned chances remains to be seen. They have lost just once in the league this season and are being chased by an Arsenal team without a striker. If they can ride out the storm in their next two games, their rivals’ hope will likely have faded.
Van Dijk: We should have won
Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk speaking to TNT Sport:
“A bit disappointed but we fight. We had chances to win the game, took a bit of a risk at the end so it got more open at times. We take a point and move on and focus on a big one at the weekend, again.
“In possession we did quite well, created good opportunities to score the second. Disappointing to concede from a set-piece. We tried everything and unfortunately it wasn’t enough for three points.
“We should have scored 3-2, but credit to Aston Villa, they made it very difficult.
“We have a very tough one on the weekend again, then we play Newcastle, our focus now will be on Man City, a very difficult game, we know that.
“Do everything in your power to win games, the focus will be that on Sunday again.”
