Arne Slot cut a frustrated figure as Liverpool were held to a 2-2 draw against Aston Villa.
Image credit: ESPN UK
Liverpool missed the chance to go 10 points clear at the top as they salvaged a 2-2 draw against Aston Villa on Wednesday.
Manager Arne Slot was left frustrated, believing his side dropped two crucial points in the Premier League title race.
Trent Alexander-Arnold rescued the Reds with a 61st-minute equalizer, ensuring they extended their unbeaten league streak to 22 matches.
Despite that, the draw means second-placed Arsenal—who have a game in hand—could close the gap with a win against West Ham on Saturday.
Liverpool now face a pivotal showdown against Manchester City on Sunday, while Arsenal will be hoping to pile on the pressure before that fixture.
Missed Opportunities and a Tightening Title Race
Liverpool had their chances to win it, none bigger than Darwin Núñez’s late miss, skying a shot over an empty goal from close range.
Villa also had an opportunity to snatch all three points in the dying moments, with Donyell Malen firing wide.
Reflecting on the result, Slot admitted his frustration:
The only reason to be happy with a draw is that they had the last big chance of the game. Otherwise, I’m not happy at all. We created more, but we need to start getting what we deserve.
Despite the setback, Liverpool remain in pole position. According to Opta’s projections, they are still favored to win the title, with an 84.79% chance compared to Arsenal’s 15.13%.
However, their margin for error is shrinking.
Tough Fixtures Ahead
With 12 games remaining, Liverpool have some tricky fixtures, including away games against Man City, Chelsea, and Leicester.
A busy Wednesday night…
— Premier League (@premierleague) February 19, 2025
🔴 Liverpool missed out on the chance to go 10 points clear at the top
🔵 Man City’s UEFA Champions League campaign came to an end
The pair meet on Sunday in the Premier League 👀 pic.twitter.com/tdZo0EBeh2
They also host Arsenal in a potential title-decider on May 10.
Meanwhile, Arsenal face six top-half teams, including trips to Manchester United and Liverpool. If they remain within striking distance, the clash at Anfield could be decisive.
With the race heating up, every point matters. Can Liverpool hold their nerve, or will Arsenal capitalize on the pressure?