Liverpool and Aston Villa played out a thrilling 2-2 draw in a high-intensity Premier League encounter at Villa Park. The result extended Liverpool’s lead at the top to eight points, but Arsenal’s game in hand keeps the title race alive.
The Reds started strongly, dominating possession and creating early chances. Their pressure paid off when Mohamed Salah capitalized on a defensive error to score his 24th goal of the season. Diogo Jota played a key role in the opener, intercepting a misplaced pass before setting up Salah for an easy finish.
Villa responded with determination, with Marcus Rashford—making his first start for the club—posing a constant threat. Just before halftime, Youri Tielemans fired in a stunning volley after Liverpool failed to clear a set-piece, leveling the score. Moments later, Ollie Watkins headed past Alisson, giving Villa a 2-1 lead at the break.
Liverpool, feeling the strain of a demanding schedule, had to fight back in the second half. They survived a major scare when Rashford rounded Alisson and seemed certain to score, only for Ibrahima Konaté to make a crucial goal-line clearance.
Their perseverance was rewarded when Trent Alexander-Arnold’s shot took a heavy deflection and wrong-footed Emiliano Martínez, making it 2-2. Both teams pushed for a late winner in a dramatic finale. Darwin Núñez, coming off the bench, missed a golden chance, while Donyell Malen struck the post in the final moments.
Although Liverpool remain unbeaten away from home in the league, the draw leaves the title race wide open, with Arsenal still within reach as the season nears its climax.
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