Liverpool player ratings, winners and losers vs Aston Villa as Konate & Salah impress, Darwin Nunez had a nightmare with a big chance missed Liverpool dropped points in the title race…

Liverpool player ratings, highlights, and lowlights vs Aston Villa as Konate & Salah shine

Liverpool faced a setback in the title race during a thrilling match at Villa Park.

On Wednesday, Liverpool drew 2-2 with Aston Villa, resulting in a loss of crucial points in the Premier League title chase.

This outcome extends the Reds’ lead at the top of the table to eight points; however, they have now played one more match than Arsenal following an exhilarating night of football at Villa Park.

The match began with Liverpool on the front foot, registering three shots within the first six minutes and maintaining possession for most of the first half.

They were rewarded with a goal as Mohamed Salah scored his 15th away league goal of the season, setting a new record.

Aston Villa responded strongly, with Marcus Rashford, making his full debut for the team, driving many of their attacks.

Just seven minutes before halftime, Youri Tielemans found the net to equalize after Liverpool struggled to clear a dangerous cross. In injury time, Ollie Watkins headed the ball past Alisson, giving Villa the lead.

After two challenging matches last week, Liverpool had to demonstrate their resilience once again at Villa Park.

Trent Alexander-Arnold equalized by connecting with a pass from Salah and shooting past Emiliano Martinez, aided by a deflection off Tyrone Mings.

Highlights

Mohamed Salah continues to break records, adding another to his collection at Villa Park with his 15th away goal for Liverpool, surpassing Luis Suarez’s previous club record of 14 set during the 2013/14 Premier League season.

However, Arsenal emerged as the primary beneficiaries on Wednesday, as Liverpool dropped points for the second consecutive midweek match. The Gunners will not play their game in hand until mid-March.

Losers

Slot’s decision to start Curtis Jones on the left wing during Wednesday night’s match raises questions about Federico Chiesa’s role, as he has yet to make a Premier League start. Additionally, the choice to field Diogo Jota in place of Darwin Nunez as the central striker may reflect Slot’s long-term strategy, particularly since Jota has only recently returned from injury.

Nunez had a particularly disappointing evening, notably missing a clear opportunity shortly after being substituted in. After receiving a pass from Dominik Szoboszlai, he sent the ball soaring over the crossbar from close range, adding to his struggles. He appeared to have a chance to redeem himself shortly thereafter when he intercepted a weak back pass from Mings to Martinez, but the goalkeeper executed a remarkable sliding tackle to thwart him.

Conor Bradley exited the match due to a minor injury, which Slot will hope is not serious. Jarell Quansah stepped in to take over at right-back following this late adjustment.

Player ratings

Alisson (6). He rushed out of his goal early in the second half and was rounded by Rashford, but fortunately, Konate cleared the subsequent shot.

Alisson did make a solid save against Donyell Malen in the 71st minute, although the effort was later ruled offside.

Trent Alexander-Arnold (6). While he avoided major mistakes, most of Aston Villa’s attacking plays were directed at Liverpool’s right side.

Liverpool’s number 66 showcased his usual excellent passing ability on multiple occasions and scored an important equalizer with a powerful run and shot that deflected in off Mings.

Ibrahima Konate (7). He delivered a confident performance, making several key tackles to regain possession. He also missed a header after Alisson had rushed out and Marcus Rashford attempted a shot on goal.

Virgil van Dijk (6). He shot over the bar within the first four minutes, but his contributions were primarily defensive. The defender performed well, though he was not at his peak.

Andy Robertson – (6). Did not pose a significant attacking threat, although Villa found less success down Liverpool’s right side.

Ryan Gravenberch – (6). Showed improvement in the second half, with his forward passes aiding Liverpool in regaining control after Villa had a strong start to the half.

Alexis Mac Allister – (5). Provoked the Villa supporters with several confrontations, including one with Axel Disasi in the first half that led to a lengthy stoppage. Similar to Gravenberch, he struggled at times to contain Villa’s midfield advances.

Dominik Szoboszlai – (6). Demonstrated his usual strong work ethic, though his defensive contributions could have been more effective. His weak header was converted by Tielemans, and he failed to track Watkins’ run, which resulted in Villa’s second goal.

Mohamed Salah – (7). Had limited touches but appeared dangerous whenever he received the ball. He played a key role in both of Liverpool’s goals, scoring from a tap-in off Diogo Jota’s assist and providing the pass to Alexander-Arnold for his goal.

Diogo Jota – (7). Impressed once more in the no.9 position. Jota’s pressing was exceptional, and he nearly scored early in the second half with a shot that hit the crossbar.

Curtis Jones – (6). Started on the left wing but frequently moved inside when Liverpool had possession. He displayed quick footwork and assisted Szoboszlai’s run to create a chance midway through the first half.

Substitutions

Conor Bradley – (5). Faced a challenging match upon his introduction and left the field again due to an injury.

Darwin Nunez – (4). Struggled significantly, missing a crucial opportunity, sending a pass off target, and being thwarted by a strong tackle from Martinez before he could shoot.

Luis Diaz – (5). Had minimal involvement following his substitution.

Jarell Quansah – (N/A).