(Football news) Liverpool came from behind to seal a 2-1 win over Aston Villa, thereby keeping their title hopes alive in the Premier League after their 1-1 draw against Tottenham Hotspur. The Reds were a goal down just three minutes into the match when Kostas Tsimikas, who replaced Andy Robertson, tumbled on the ground, allowing Douglas Luiz a free header from Lucas Digne’s cross which was parried by Allison, only for Luiz to score from the rebound. 

However, it took Liverpool just three minutes to equalise when Tyrone Mings failed to make a clearance and Virgil Van Dijk’s shot was saved by the goalkeeper, only for Joel Matip to score from the follow up in the 6th minute. The celebrations were muted from both the Liverpool players and manager after conceding the early goal. From then onwards, the Reds increased the pressure on the home side with Diogo Jota and Sadio Mane looking threatening to score the winner. It was a high stakes match for Jurgen Klopp’s team as anything less than a win would virtually gift Manchester City the title.

The visiting fans took a breath of relief when a header from Danny Ings went over the bar from John McGinn's cross as Aston Villa almost took the lead again. To make matters worse, Fabinho’s hamstring injury added to Liverpool’s woes while Sadio Mane found the back of the net, only for the goal to be disallowed because Luis Diaz was offside in the build-up. As expected, it was Sadio Mane who came to the rescue in the 65th minute when Luis Diaz’s precise cross from the left wing was expertly headed in by the Senegalese international. 

Aston Villa also had chances to score the equaliser with Danny Ings having two brilliant opportunities on goal but couldn’t capitalise on them. The 29 year old did find the back of the net but was offside. Speaking after the match, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said “Massive, outstanding, incredible mentality. We changed five of the team so we needed time to find our way into the game and the opponent was there from the beginning. The main issue was losing balls in the wrong areas. From there, it is difficult to get any rhythm. 

"In the last 10 minutes of the first half, we began controlling the game. We scored the second incredible goal, Luis [Diaz] sensational, Sadio [Mane] made the world of it. Then, you have to dig deep. Yes, they had moments, a big chance with Ingsy [Danny Ings]. If my players were not as good as they are I would be here talking about different stuff but their quality and mentality is the reason why we are where we are."

Also read: Arsenal secure win while City extend advantage in the Premier League