Liverpool let a two-goal lead slip to draw 3-3 with Aston Villa, who are on the brink of clinching UEFA Champions League football.
Premier League
Result: Aston Villa 3-3 Liverpool
Date: 13 May 2024
Venue: Villa Park
Reds coach Jurgen Klopp made just one change from the win over Tottenham Hotspur, as Joe Gomez came in to replace Andrew Robertson who was left out of the squad completely.
The visitors got off to the perfect start when Harvey Elliot got down the right flank and sent a cross into the box, which goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez spilled into his own net.
Villa did get back on level terms in the 12th minute when Ollie Watkins did well to get to the byline before pulling the ball back for Youri Tielemans who sent a first time strike into the back of the net from the edge of the box.
The lively start continued as Liverpool restored their lead in the 26th minute when defender Joe Gomez raced into the box and squared the ball for Cody Gakpo, who made mistake from six yards out.
Villa did have a couple more sights at goal, with Moussa Diaby squandered a big chance just before the halftime break when he blazed over the crossbar after being sent clear on goal.
The hosts were made to rue that miss two minutes after the break when defender Jarrel Quansah got on the end of Trent Alexander-Arnold's free-kick and sent a fine header into the far corner.
The VAR was called upon on two occasions in quick succession as Villa's Watkins had a ruled out after Leon Bailey's offside, while Salah's strike had been cancelled for Luis Diaz being offside in the build up.
Villa set up a nervy finish when Diaby made it 3-2 in the 85th minute by cutting onto his left and rifling one into the bottom corner from the edge of the box.
Unai Emery's men got the equaliser three minutes later in fortunate circumstances when Diaby's pass took a big deflection off Jhon Durán and sailed into the back of the net, leaving Alisson with no chance.
Villa will clinch fourth spot on Tuesday night if Tottenham Hotspur fail to beat Manchester City in North London.
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