Elliott stars, Endo STRUGGLES: Aston Villa 3-3 Liverpool player ratings

© IMAGO

Liverpool threw away a two-goal lead in the closing minutes against Aston Villa as they were held to a 3-3 draw in Jurgen Klopp's final away game in charge on Monday night.

The Reds made the dream start in the Midlands and were ahead within a minute. Harvey Elliott's near-post cross took a deflection on its way to Emiliano Martinez and the goalkeeper inexplicably bundled the ball into his own net under no pressure.

But, despite a dominant start, Liverpool's lead would last just ten minutes with Youri Tielemans thrashing home Ollie Watkins' pass. The Reds' long wait for a Premier League clean sheet goes on.

Liverpool found themselves back in front in the 23rd minute when Cody Gakpo tapped home following Joe Gomez's saved shot, but their defence looked far from watertight as Diego Carlos somehow missed an open goal from a yard out.

The Reds extended their advantage just three minutes after the restart and it was a first Premier League goal for Jarell Quansah, whose towering header gave Liverpool a much appreciated cushion.

However, just as Liverpool looked to be cruising to victory, they collapsed. Two late goals from Jhon Duran, the second of which was extremely fortunate, meant that the Reds had to settle for a point in Klopp's penultimate match.

Here are your player ratings from the clash at Villa Park...


ALISSON (GK): 6

Having had nothing to do for the first 50 minutes, Alisson almost handed Villa a goal after his slack pass was intercepted. Helpless for the second and third, making a great stop to deny Moussa Diaby in added time.

TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD (RB): 5

Operated in some useful spaces as he drifted into midfield, albeit his absence at right-back helped Villa score early in the match. His passing range was off and he didn't cover himself in glory at the back.

JARELL QUANSAH (CB): 6

Beaten too easily by Watkins' speed and strength for Villa's early equaliser and had some shaky moments in a first half that saw Liverpool sliced open too easily. However, did grab his second goal for the Reds with a great header.

VIRGIL VAN DIJK (CB): 7

Despite Liverpool's defence looking alarmingly porous, Van Dijk wasn't to blame for a ragged display at the back. Won the majority of his personal duels and would have appreciated greater support from his teammates.

JOE GOMEZ (LB): 6

Far more impactful in the Villa half than he was in his own defensive third, with his parried effort allowing Gakpo a tap-in during the first half. Struggled up against the tricky duo of Leon Bailey and Diaby.

HARVEY ELLIOTT (CM): 7

Forced the opener following a neat one-two and set up Quansah's header with an excellent free kick delivered straight to the centre-back's head at the far post. Not quite as eye-catching as his display against Tottenham, but another strong outing from the youngster.

WATARU ENDO (CM): 5

A passive display from the Japan international, who was unable to offer the backline any real support and was guilty of some late lunges when he did get close enough to Villa's midfield.

ALEXIS MAC ALLISTER (CM): 5

The Argentine had been typically neat and tidy in possession up until the 84th minute when his terrible touch gifted Villa the ball on the edge of the area in the build-up to the hosts' second goal. Not his best display out of possession either.

MOHAMED SALAH (RW): 6

The Egyptian looked up for it early on with some positive bursts down the right flank, giving Lucas Digne a tough first half. Salah's influence waned significantly after the break.

CODY GAKPO (ST): 7

In the right place at the right time to grab himself another Liverpool goal after his header last time out and he made a nuisance of himself drifting across the forward line. Good hold-up play to bring teammates into the game throughout.

LUIS DIAZ (LW): 6

A characteristically energetic display from the indefatigable winger, but he lacked cutting edge in the final third with several promising counter-attacks breaking down on his watch. If he could find that ruthless streak, he would be unstoppable.

SUBSTITUTES

DOMINIK SZOBOSZLAI (ELLIOTT, 75'): 6

Forced a save from Martinez shortly after his introduction but that's all he could manage.

RYAN GRAVENBERCH (ENDO, 75'): 6

Made plenty of attempts to get on the ball in the closing minutes and showed his quality in possession.

DARWIN NUNEZ (GAKPO, 75'): 6

Put the ball in the back of the net but was unsurprisingly offside.

CURTIS JONES (DIAZ, 75'): 5

Barely touched the ball after his introduction and couldn't protect Liverpool's backline.

LFC Store Christmas Gifts

The perfect Christmas presents for your family & friends

Related News

Liverpool vs Leicester: Predicted lineup as FOUR Reds walk suspension TIGHT ROPE

CONFIRMED Liverpool lineup vs Tottenham as star defender RETURNS

Liverpool on TV: Fixtures, kick-off times and channel details for every game