EPL: Aston Villa Deny Liverpool Chance to Go 10 Points Clear at Top of Premier League

Liverpool's lead at the top of the Premier League table remains at eight points after a thrilling 2-2 draw against Aston Villa.

Liverpool's bid for the Premier League title hit a snag as they were held to a 2-2 draw by Aston Villa, squandering the opportunity to extend their lead at the top of the table to 10 points. The result, however, ensured that Liverpool's unbeaten away league record this season remains intact.

Aston Villa's new signings, Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio, made their first starts together, and the pair nearly combined for a dream start. Rashford and Asensio exchanged a slick one-two before Rashford's cross was inadvertently turned into the net by Virgil van Dijk, only for the assistant referee to raise his flag and disallow the goal.

Liverpool come from behind to take a point at Villa Park 🔴 pic.twitter.com/CsA4W5Pnqu

— Premier League (@premierleague) February 19, 2025

The hosts' joy was short-lived, as another January signing, Andres Garcia, committed a costly error that led to Liverpool's opening goal. Garcia's misplaced pass found its way to Diogo Jota, who selflessly squared the ball for Mohamed Salah to score his 24th league goal of the season, guiding the ball home with ease.

Emi Martinez with one of the challenges of the season 🤯

The goalkeeper comes rushing out of his area to deny Darwin Nunez a shot at goal #AVLLIV pic.twitter.com/A0N3WFBGX4

— Premier League (@premierleague) February 19, 2025

Andres Garcia's relief was palpable when Youri Tielemans equalized for Aston Villa in the 38th minute, canceling out Mohamed Salah's earlier goal. Tielemans' left-footed strike, which came after Liverpool failed to clear Marcus Rashford's whipped free-kick, found its way past Alisson Becker and into the net.

Villa's resurgence continued as they took the lead before halftime, with Ollie Watkins combining with Lucas Digne to create a scoring opportunity. Watkins' controlled header, steered into the bottom corner, capped off a remarkable turnaround for the hosts, who had been stunned by Liverpool's early goal.

Liverpool, however, demonstrated their character by pulling themselves back onto level terms just past the hour mark. Trent Alexander-Arnold benefited from a wicked deflection to score his second league goal of the season, moments after Diogo Jota had clipped the crossbar. This set the stage for a thrilling final half-hour, with both teams pushing for a winner.

An opportunity missed to go 10 points clear, but still a healthy lead at the top for Liverpool 🔝#AVLLIV pic.twitter.com/Lr8miAkVm5

— Premier League (@premierleague) February 19, 2025

The match's intensity was exemplified by a nervy moment for Liverpool when Jacob Ramsey slotted home, only to be denied by the offside flag. In stoppage time, Donyell Malen came agonizingly close to snatching the points for Liverpool, but ultimately, the two sides settled for a 2-2 draw.

The result extended Liverpool's lead over Arsenal to eight points, while Aston Villa remained five points adrift of the top four. Despite dropping points, Liverpool maintained their position at the top of the Premier League table, while Villa stayed in ninth place.