Liverpool Extend Unbeaten League Run Despite Draw With Aston Villa.
Liverpool maintained their unbeaten run in the Premier League since September but were left frustrated after a 2-2 draw against Aston Villa. Arne Slot’s side, who last suffered defeat at the hands of Nottingham Forest, were undone by defensive lapses and missed opportunities, allowing Villa to take advantage in an enthralling encounter.
Mohamed Salah opened the scoring in the 29th minute after a misplaced pass from Andres Garcia gifted Diogo Jota possession, who then set up the Egyptian forward for a clinical finish. However, Liverpool’s lead lasted just nine minutes as Youri Tielemans capitalised on a loose ball from Marcus Rashford’s free-kick to fire home the equaliser.
Villa then edged in front just before half-time, with Ollie Watkins heading in from a fine Lucas Digne cross. Liverpool responded early in the second half as Salah turned provider, setting up Trent Alexander-Arnold for a deflected strike past Emi Martinez. The Reds had a golden opportunity to win the match when Darwin Núñez missed from five yards with 21 minutes remaining, while Villa’s Jacob Ramsey saw a goal disallowed for offside.
Rashford’s Encouraging Start at Villa
Marcus Rashford made his first start for Aston Villa following his loan move from Manchester United, showing glimpses of his quality. The England international, who had not started a match in over two months, was lively throughout the first half, with his cross forcing an own goal from Virgil van Dijk—only for the offside flag to intervene.
Despite Villa’s attacking intent, Rashford was substituted midway through the second half as he regains match fitness. His move to Villa Park marks a fresh start after struggles at United, and with a £40 million option to buy, he could be set for a long-term stay under Unai Emery.
Salah’s Record-Breaking Form Continues
While Liverpool were left ruing their missed chances, Mohamed Salah continued his remarkable season with yet another goal and assist. The forward has now recorded 39 goal involvements in the league this season—24 goals and 15 assists—surpassing the total goal tally of 11 Premier League teams, including Villa.
Salah also became just the fifth player to achieve 15+ goals and 15+ assists in a single Premier League season, joining the elite company of Eric Cantona, Matt Le Tissier, Thierry Henry, and Eden Hazard. Additionally, he is the first player to both score and assist in 10 different league matches in a single season, a feat unmatched since Lionel Messi’s 2014-15 campaign for Barcelona.
With his contract at Anfield set to expire in the coming months, Salah is proving invaluable to Liverpool’s title chase. However, with Arsenal playing West Ham on Saturday and Liverpool facing Manchester City on Sunday, the upcoming fixtures could prove pivotal in determining the destination of the Premier League trophy.
