Liverpool’s Title Hopes Dented in Thrilling 2-2 Draw Against Aston Villa

Posted : 20 February 2025

Liverpool's pursuit of the Premier League title took a hit after a dramatic 2-2 draw against Aston Villa on Wednesday. The result extended their unbeaten run to 22 league games but left them frustrated, as they now sit eight points ahead of Arsenal, who have a game in hand.

Mohamed Salah gave Liverpool the lead, but goals from Youri Tielemans and Ollie Watkins turned the game in Villa’s favor before Trent Alexander-Arnold’s deflected shot rescued a point for the visitors. However, Liverpool could have secured victory had Darwin Nunez capitalized on a clear chance, while Villa also came close in stoppage time.

The draw did little to aid Villa’s hopes of securing a Champions League spot, as they remain ninth in the standings. Unai Emery made significant changes following a disappointing 1-1 draw against Ipswich, handing starts to Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio.

Rashford was involved early, but his cross, which resulted in Virgil van Dijk turning the ball into his own net, was ruled out for offside. Villa’s defensive miscue allowed Liverpool to break the deadlock in the 29th minute when Andres Garcia’s misplaced backpass gifted Diogo Jota the ball, and he set up Salah for his 29th goal of the season.

Villa responded swiftly, leveling the score just nine minutes later as Liverpool failed to clear a free-kick, allowing Tielemans to convert with a composed volley. Liverpool missed a golden opportunity to regain the lead when Jota fired over the bar, and they were punished just before halftime when Watkins was left unmarked to head home Lucas Digne’s cross.

Rashford, eager to make an impact for his new team, had a chance early in the second half but was denied by Ibrahima Konaté’s crucial intervention. Liverpool then pushed forward in search of an equalizer, with Jota striking the crossbar before Alexander-Arnold’s deflected effort finally found the net on the hour mark.

Slot introduced Luis Díaz and Nunez off the bench in pursuit of a winner, but the Uruguayan squandered a glorious opportunity, failing to hit the target when presented with an open goal. Villa, however, nearly snatched victory themselves in a chaotic ending, as Jacob Ramsey’s goal was ruled out for offside, and late strikes from Morgan Rogers and Donyell Malen narrowly missed the target. The result leaves Liverpool still in control of the title race, but with upcoming fixtures against top rivals, their lead remains under threat.

Liverpool’s Title Hopes Dented in Thrilling 2-2 Draw Against Aston Villa

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