Tom Hanks was in town to see his beloved Aston Villa attempt to earn a Champions League spot, but Liverpool held on to prevent a Hollywood ending.
Jhon Duran’s late double gave Unai Emery’s team a point, which might be critical in their bid to enter Europe’s elite next season. But they couldn’t find a winner to secure their berth last night. They must wait for Tottenham to slip up against Manchester City tonight or win Crystal Palace on Sunday to get a happy ending worthy of a Tom Hanks movie.
This was a thrilling game with a near-blockbuster finale. It was never going to be simple for Emery’s team to break into the top four. But they just faltered at the wrong time, extending their losing streak to three games.
The battle back here should drive them to finish the job over the weekend, but it may still be a nail-biter. Hollywood icon Tom Hanks traveled in, but an own goal by goalie Emi Martinez was compounded by Cody Gakpo and Jarell Quansah, making it appear that the trip from Hollywood had been a waste.
Youri Tielemans had earlier equalised before Duran entered the game and triggered the late comeback. However, they were unable to find a winner for the special guest in attendance, as Liverpool contributed to a dramatic affair despite having little to play for with third place already secured.
The Reds were given an opener to get them started. It’s unclear what Martinez was doing when he threw in Harvey Elliott’s deflected cross. The clock had barely passed the minute mark.
The pre-match extravaganza of lights and fire had just ended. The away fans were then in celebration mode as they watched Jurgen Klopp’s Reds for the penultimate time.
Klopp, under the fear of a yellow card and a touchline ban for his Anfield farewell on Sunday, was on his best behaviour. But he must have been seething over Villa’s equaliser.
Ollie Watkins fizzed past Quansah on the left before finding Tielemans on the edge of the box, who fired home in the 12th minute. With 19 goals and 13 assists, Watkins has had a fantastic season.
What a start, and Villa Park was back in action, although only for a short time. Cody Gakpo converted a deflected cross from Joe Gomez to restore Liverpool’s lead. It was all too easy, and only a lengthy VAR check saved Villa’s hopes.
However, it is puzzling how Villa fell behind at halftime. Diego Carlos contributed a candidate for miss of the season. The defender turned Moussa Diaby’s cross wide from three yards out. Watkins was also waiting for the tap in, which would add to his shame.
Diaby then fired one over during a one-on-one with the energetic John McGinn, who seemed to be everywhere. The Reds punished their wastefulness by extending their lead three minutes into the second half. Elliott provided the assist with a dangerous free kick, and Quansah came in from the right to rise high and head in beautifully off the post.
Villa fought for a comeback, and Duran’s magnificent shot into the bottom corner gave them hope in the 85th minute, before his thigh redirected a Diaby cross past Alisson with three minutes remaining. But Alisson denied Diaby a winner, as Villa failed to complete the comeback in a dramatic finish.
If Spurs shock City tonight, they will need to deliver at Palace on Sunday.
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