Liverpool defender, Trent Alexander-Arnold, scored a fantastic last-gasp winner in added time to help the Merseysiders overcome Aston Villa 2-1, ending a run of six consecutive defeats at Anfield in the English Premier League this season.
Jurgen Klopp’s men had to come from behind to muscle out victory, Mohamed Salah cancelling Ollie Watkins’ lead before the England full-back punished Villa at the death and strengthen the hosts’ cause for a top-four finish.
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The Reds were the better side in the first period and went close through Salah, Roberto Firmino, Diogo Jota and Alexander-Arnold’s free kick but it was Villa that took the lead against the run of play on 43 minutes.
John McGinn slipped Watkins through on goal and the England international slotted beyond Alisson Becker who could not stop the shot away from the net. It was Watkins’ fourth goal against the soon-to-be-deposed champions this season.
Firmino was denied an equalizer deep into first half added time by a controversial VAR decision that ruled Diogo Jota marginally offside in the buildup to the Brazilian’s goal, ensuring the Villains headed into the interval with a 1-0 lead.
The hosts continued to fashion chances in the second period and eventually buried one on 57 minutes through Salah. The Egyptian striker was headed home a rebound into an empty net at the far post following Emiliano Martinez’s initial save from Firmino.
It was Liverpool’s first goal from open play at Anfield since December and Salah’s 28th goal in all competitions this season.
Aston Villa hit the post through Mahmoud Hassan Trezeguet but Liverpool scored an unlikely winner on 91 minutes through Alexander-Arnold’s excellent finish into the bottom corner from inside the penalty area to end an eight-match winless run at Anfield in the EPL.
Liverpool temporarily move up to fourth place above West Ham on goal difference, while Villa stay in 10th position on the EPL table.
