Liverpool Drop Two Points as Aston Villa Secure Draw in Thrilling Premier League Encounter 3o3l1z

Watch the highlights from Aston Villa 2-2 Liverpool in a thrilling Premier League encounter on Wednesday night.

Liverpool extend their lead at the top of the Premier League but are forced to settle for a point in a thrilling 2-2 draw against Aston Villa.

Arne Slot’s side had moments of brilliance, with goals from Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold, but defensive lapses and missed opportunities allowed Villa to fight back and secure a deserved result.

Villa showed their intent early, pressing high and causing problems for Liverpool’s backline.

The hosts thought they had an opening goal when Marcus Rashford’s cross was inadvertently turned into his own net by Virgil van Dijk. However, the Manchester United loanee was offside in the buildup, and the goal was disallowed.

Liverpool then capitalised on a Villa mistake to break the deadlock in the 29th minute. A misplaced from Andres Garcia gifted possession to Diogo Jota, who quickly fed Mohamed Salah. The Egyptian made no mistake, slotting home to give the visitors the lead.

Villa, however, responded swiftly. Just nine minutes later, Rashford won a free-kick in a dangerous area, and Liverpool failed to clear the resulting set-piece. Youri Tielemans pounced on the loose ball to fire past Alisson and bring Villa level.

The hosts continued to exploit Liverpool’s defensive vulnerabilities, and in first-half stoppage time, they took the lead. Lucas Digne delivered a pinpoint cross, and Ollie Watkins rose highest to guide a header into the net, sending Villa Park into celebration mode.

Liverpool Fight Back but Waste Key Chances 584zb

Liverpool came out stronger in the second half, pushing for an equaliser – and they found it in the 61st minute when Jota rattled the crossbar before Salah set up Alexander-Arnold.

The right-back’s low-driven shot took a deflection, wrong-footing Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez and making it 2-2.

Despite the momentum shifting in their favour, Liverpool failed to capitalise on their chances.

Substitute Darwin Núñez had the best opportunity to secure all three points but astonishingly lifted the ball over the bar from close range.

Villa nearly had the last laugh when Jacob Ramsey found the back of the net late on, but the goal was ruled out for offside, ensuring both teams shared the spoils.

WATCH: Aston Villa 2-2 Liverpool Highlights 6y473t

The result extends Liverpool’s lead at the top of the table to eight points, but with Arsenal having a game in hand and Manchester City awaiting them at the Etihad next weekend, the title race is opening up.

For Aston Villa, the draw sees them sit five points away from the top four. They host Chelsea next in the Premier League on Saturday.