BIRMINGHAM, Feb 20, (V7N) – Liverpool's push for the Premier League title hit a stumbling block as they were held to a thrilling 2-2 draw by Aston Villa on Wednesday, leaving both sides frustrated.

Arne Slot’s men extended their lead at the top to eight points over second-placed Arsenal, but the Gunners have a game in hand, keeping the title race wide open.

Liverpool struck first through Mohamed Salah, but Villa responded through Youri Tielemans and Ollie Watkins, seizing the momentum. A deflected strike from Trent Alexander-Arnold salvaged a point for the Reds, though Darwin Nunez squandered a golden chance to secure victory.

The hosts nearly snatched all three points in stoppage time, with Morgan Rogers and Donyell Malen coming close.

For Villa, the draw did little to boost their hopes of securing a Champions League spot, as they remain in ninth. Meanwhile, Liverpool’s unbeaten league streak stretched to 22 games, but consecutive 2-2 draws have handed Arsenal renewed hope in the title race, especially with Slot’s side set to face Manchester City on Sunday.

Back-and-Forth Battle

Unai Emery handed first starts to new signings Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio following Villa’s disappointing 1-1 draw against 10-man Ipswich. Rashford was involved early, but his cross—turned into the net by Virgil van Dijk—was ruled out for offside.

Villa’s lapse in concentration gifted Liverpool the opener in the 29th minute. Andres Garcia’s misplaced backpass fell straight to Diogo Jota, who unselfishly set up Salah for his 29th goal of the season.

However, the lead lasted just nine minutes. A poorly cleared Liverpool free-kick landed at Tielemans’ feet, and the Belgian produced a sublime volleyed finish to level the score.

Jota then wasted a glorious chance to restore Liverpool’s lead, blazing over with only Emiliano Martinez to beat. The miss proved costly as Villa capitalized on sloppy defending, with Watkins heading home Lucas Digne’s cross to put the hosts ahead at halftime.

Liverpool’s Fightback

Rashford came close to making his mark seconds after the restart, rounding Alisson but seeing his effort blocked by Ibrahima Konaté.

Liverpool then ramped up the pressure, with Jota rattling the crossbar before Alexander-Arnold’s deflected strike off Tyrone Mings found the net on the hour mark.

Slot introduced Luis Diaz and Nunez in pursuit of a winner, but the latter endured a nightmare cameo. The Uruguayan forward had an open goal after a perfect delivery from Dominik Szoboszlai but fired over, leaving Slot in disbelief.

Martinez later denied Nunez another opportunity with a brave save.

Villa, however, had the final say in a frantic ending. Jacob Ramsey’s goal was ruled out for offside, while Rogers and Malen narrowly missed late chances, leaving both teams with a point that felt like a missed opportunity.

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