The Scotsman

Villa on the brink of Champions League qualificat­ion after thrilling comeback

- Jonathan Veal

Jhon Duran scored twice in the final ten minutes to earn Aston Villa a thrilling 3-3 draw against Liverpool which moves them closer to Champions League qualificat­ion.

Villa looked dead and buried as Emiliano Martinez's astonishin­g gaffe handed the Reds a second-minute goal, which was cancelled out by Youri Tielemans, before strikes from Cody Gakpo and Jarell Quansah put Liverpool 3-1 up in Jurgen Klopp's final away game in charge. all roads now lead to

But Duran climbed off the Anfield where he will end his bench to score twice in four nine-year stint as Liverpool minutes and put Villa on the boss on what will surely be brink of qualificat­ion for the an emotional farewell against Champions League for the Wolves. first time. Hollywood star Tom Hanks

The draw means they will be was in attendance at Villa guaranteed a top-four spo t if Park and the opening 64 seconds

n d

Tottenham fail to beat Manchester was like a scene from a City this evening. disaster movie for the hosts.

If Spurs win, their fate will Liverpool – without Scotland go down to the final day where captain Andy Robertson Villa travel to an in-form Crystal because of an apparent niggle Palace while the London – were given a goal start after club visit already-relegated a spectacula­r blunder by Martinez Sheffield United. with just over a minute

For Klopp, who was disgusted on the clock. at his side's late collapse, Harvey Elliott's cross innocuousl­y

deflected off Pau Torres and the Argentina goalkeeper spilled it and then clumsily knocked it over the line as he tried to gather the ball.

Villa found their feet and responded by levelling in the 12th minute. Ollie Watkins skinned Quansah down the left and his pull-back fell kindly to Tielemans who fired home from 12 yards out.

But Liverpool regained their lead in the 23rd minute with an electric move from back to front which ended in Gakpo converting from close range after Martinez could only palm away Joe Gomez's cross. The goal survived a threeminut­e check for offside, with VAR'S line marginally ruling Gomez onside.

Villa remained a threat and Diego Carlos provided a contender for the miss of the season ten minutes before the break as he somehow put Bailey's cross wide from barely a yard out.

The chances kept coming and Moussa Diaby should have levelled but he blazed over after being played in by Scotland midfielder John Mcginn.

Liverpool scored early again in the second half to extend their lead. Quansah was given a headed opportunit­y at the far post from Elliott and he climbed highest before guiding it into the far corner.

Villa gave themselves hope in the final ten minutes when Elliott was dispossess­ed and Duran drilled a low effort into the corner.

Three minutes later Villa Park exploded as Diaby's attempted through-ball deflected off Duran's knee and looped over Alisson.

Diaby could have won it for Villa but the Brazil goalkeeper made a brilliant save late on.

 ?? ?? John Mcginn is challenged by Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister
John Mcginn is challenged by Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from United Kingdom