Mohamed Salah shines as Liverpool hold Aston Villa 2-2: Stats
What's the story
Liverpool's title race in the Premier League suffered a minor setback as they played out a 2-2 draw against Aston Villa. The match, which was played at Villa Park, saw Trent Alexander-Arnold score a crucial second-half goal for Liverpool. This result has given Arsenal an opportunity to close the gap in the title race. Earlier, Mohamed Salah handed Liverpool the lead before Aston Villa scored twice in the first half to gain a 2-1 lead. Here's more.
Match highlights
Alexander-Arnold's deflected strike saves Liverpool
Alexander-Arnold's deflected strike in the second half of the match earned Liverpool a point. Salah provided the assist for the right-back. The goal arrived in the 61st minute. Thereafter, Darwin Nunez missed a sitter to score a third for Liverpool as Alisson Becker denied Villa their 3rd two minutes later (71'). Earlier, Aston Villa came from a goal behind to lead through Youri Tielemans and the in-form Ollie Watkins.
Table
Liverpool get to 61 points, Villa remain ninth
Liverpool now face a tough task as they prepare for matches against Manchester City and Newcastle in the Premier League. These games could well prove to be decisive in the title race. After 26 games, the Reds own 61 points. This was their 7th draw of the campaign. Arsenal (53 points) can close the gap. Despite a strong performance against Liverpool, Aston Villa remain ninth in the league. They own 39 points after 26 matches.
Salah
240 goals in Liverpool colors for Salah
In 386 matches for Liverpool in all competitions, Salah owns 240 goals (107 assists). In the ongoing season, Salah has registered 29 goals in all competitions from 37 games (20 assists). Salah has amassed 181 goals in the Premier League, including 179 for Liverpool. He owns 84 assists, including 83 for Liverpool. In the ongoing league campaign, Salah has 24 goals (A15).
Opta stats
Salah enters record books
Salah is the first player to score and assist in 10 different games in Europe's big-five leagues in a season since Lionel Messi in 2014/15. He is also the first player with 15+ goals and 15+ assists in a Premier League season since Eden Hazard in 2018/19. Salah equalled Steve McManaman's record for the most assists in a PL campaign for Liverpool (15) and is just the third player to assist 10+ goals in away games in a PL season.
Information
Watkins scores his 71st Premier League goal
Watkins netted his 71st goal in the Premier League, making his 172nd appearance. In the ongoing season, he has 12 goals and 5 assists from 26 appearances.