Liverpool stumbled in their bid to be crowned Premier League champions on Wednesday evening as they drew 2-2 with Aston Villa.
The hosts were the architects of their own downfall in the early stages as mistakes in possession proved costly, with Mohamed Salah punishing Andres Garcia’s sloppy pass on the half-hour mark.
Mo Salah said “thank you very much” -Commentator
But Liverpool would surrender their advantage and enter half-time behind after goals from Youri Tielemans and Ollie Watkins turned the match on its head.
Trent Alexander-Arnold brought Liverpool level in the second half but they were unable to find a winner at Villa Park as they missed the chance to move ten points clear of title rivals Arsenal.
Liverpool struggled against West Midlands opposition at the weekend and were inches away from falling behind in Birmingham. Villa had the ball in Alisson’s goal in the 16th minute after Marcus Rashford’s cross forced Virgil van Dijk to bundle into his own net, denied by the offside flag.
Villa had offered encouragement in the final third but also gifted Liverpool their most promising opportunities in the opening half-hour – including Salah’s 24th Premier League goal of the campaign. Wayward distribution in their own half was preyed upon by Arne Slot’s high-octane Reds, with Diogo Jota benefitting from Garcia’s hospital pass to tee up the Egyptian for a simple tap-in.
