Liverpool held by Villa but go eight points clear

BIRMINGHAM, England - Premier League leaders Liverpool needed Trent Alexander-Arnolds second-half equaliser to secure a 2-2 draw at Aston Villa on Feb 19 that lifted them eight points clear at the top.

Liverpool began strongly and led through Mohamed Salahs 28th-minute opener, but Villa turned the game on its head before halftime with goals by Youri Tielemans and Ollie Watkins.

Diogo Jota struck the crossbar for Liverpool after the break before Alexander-Arnolds deflected shot levelled it up.

Substitute Darwin Nunez missed a glorious chance to restore Liverpools lead and Villa almost nicked it in stoppage time with Donyell Malens shot shaving the post.

While it was hardly a damaging result for Arne Slots side, who remain in control of the title race, it will give chasing Arsenal some heart as they now have a game in hand. REUTERS

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