Liverpool's title charge dented by Aston Villa draw

Arne Slot's men open up an eight-point lead at the top of the table over second-placed Arsenal, but the Gunners now have a game in hand over the Reds. Liverpool led through Mohamed Salah but were also forced to come from behind after Youri Tielemans and Ollie Watkins swung momentum in Villa's favour.

Trent Alexander-Arnold's deflected shot secured a point for the visitors, but it should have been more as substitute Darwin Nunez missed a glorious chance to snatch victory.

Villa, though, could also have won it in stoppage time as Morgan Rogers and Donyell Malen went close. A point does little for Villa's hope of returning to the Champions League next season as they remain in ninth.

Liverpool are now 22 Premier League games unbeaten, but a second 2-2 draw in eight days offers Arsenal hope in the title race, especially as Slot's side visit Manchester City on Sunday.

Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio were handed their first Villa starts by Unai Emery as he reacted to a disappointing 1-1 draw against 10-man Ipswich on Saturday. Rashford nearly had a hand in the opening goal but had strayed offside before his cross was turned into his own net by Virgil van Dijk.

Villa were masters of their own downfall when the opener did arrive on 29 minutes. Andres Garcia's backpass went straight to Diogo Jota, who unselfishly squared for Salah to fire in his 29th goal of the season.

Villa were level within nine minutes as Liverpool failed to properly clear a free-kick into the box and the ball fell kindly to Tielemans, who produced a classy finish on the volley.