Liverpool extend EPL lead to 8 points after comeback win over Saints

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A deflected strike from Trent Alexander-Arnold secured Liverpool a hard-fought point at Villa Park.

Mohamed Salah played a key role in Liverpool’s 2-2 draw against Aston Villa, scoring one goal and assisting the equalizer, helping his team extend their lead at the top of the Premier League to eight points.

Salah netted his 24th league goal of the season in the 29th minute, putting Liverpool ahead. However, Aston Villa responded before halftime with a volley from Youri Tielemans and a header from Ollie Watkins.

In the 61st minute, Alexander-Arnold capitalized on a pass from Salah, striking a shot that deflected past Villa goalkeeper Emi Martínez, allowing Liverpool to salvage a draw and avoid what would have been just their second league defeat of the season.

It remains uncertain whether this result will be seen as a valuable point earned in one of the toughest away fixtures or as two more points dropped, especially following their 2-2 draw with Everton the previous week.

“We wanted more,” Liverpool manager Arne Slot admitted. “The only thing we can criticize ourselves for is not getting the results we deserved. We must not make this a habit.”

Liverpool have now played one game more than second-placed Arsenal, their primary title challengers. The Gunners will have an opportunity to close the gap to five points when they host West Ham United on Saturday, ahead of Liverpool’s crucial clash with Manchester City.

Liverpool are aiming for their 20th top-flight league title, which would equal Manchester United’s record.

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Mohamed Salah’s first-half goal at Villa Park further cemented his lead in the Premier League Golden Boot race.

The Egyptian forward continues to drive Liverpool’s title push, leading the league in goals—five ahead of his closest competitor, Erling Haaland—and also topping the assists chart with 15.

However, if Arsenal manage to overtake Liverpool in the title race, the Reds may look back on Darwin Núñez’s costly miss with regret. After coming on as a substitute, the Uruguayan forward was set up by Dominik Szoboszlai with an open goal, yet he sent his left-footed shot over the bar.

“Darwin… it wasn’t his best foot, he’s naturally right-footed, but it was still a huge chance,” manager Arne Slot admitted. “I was hoping he’d get another opportunity because a player like him probably wouldn’t miss twice in a row. It was a great game, but I’m not satisfied with the result.”

Aston Villa had opportunities to snatch a win, with Morgan Rogers firing over the bar and substitute Donyell Malen narrowly missing with one of the final kicks of the match.

“Liverpool is the best team in the Premier League and Champions League, but we competed,” said Villa manager Unai Emery.

“… I think the result was fair for both teams because both sides had chances.”

Villa, who have lost just once at home in the league this season, remain ninth in the table, four points off fifth place—the final qualifying spot for next season’s Champions League.