Aston Villa's attacking prowess proved too much for Liverpool as the hosts claimed a thrilling 4-2 victory at Villa Park. Morgan Rogers and Ollie Watkins led a dominant display that sees Villa remain in the title race.
Both teams arrived at Villa Park level on points in the Premier League table. Aston Villa sat fifth with 59 points from 36 matches, while Liverpool occupied fourth place with an identical points total. The visitors came into the match in strong form, winning their last two games. Villa, however, showed inconsistency with one win, two losses, and two draws in their recent outings.
Villa struck first through Morgan Rogers in the 42nd minute. The midfielder found space in Liverpool's defense and fired past goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili to give the hosts a crucial lead heading into halftime. Rogers' goal capped an intense opening period where Villa created genuine chances despite Liverpool's superior possession.
The first half saw Villa accumulate nine shots on target. Liverpool responded with five shots on goal but struggled to break through Villa's defense. Matty Cash received a yellow card in the 38th minute for a rash challenge. Ollie Watkins also picked up a booking before the interval as tensions rose on the pitch.
Liverpool emerged with renewed purpose after the break. Virgil van Dijk equalized just eight minutes into the second half in the 52nd minute with a well-placed finish. The defender's goal suggested a Liverpool comeback was brewing.
Villa responded immediately. Watkins restored the home side's lead in the 57th minute with a clinical finish. The forward doubled his tally just 16 minutes later in the 73rd minute to put Villa firmly in control. Watkins' two-goal display showcased his quality in front of goal as he registered five shots on target overall.
John McGinn added Villa's fourth goal in the 89th minute, seemingly putting the result beyond doubt. However, van Dijk struck again in the 90+2nd minute to set up a tense finale. The Liverpool defender's second goal proved merely a consolation as Villa held firm.
Villa dominated the shot count with 14 total attempts compared to Liverpool's 15, though the hosts converted their chances more efficiently. Villa registered nine shots on target while Liverpool managed only five. Expected goals told a similar story, with Villa's xG of 1.91 exceeding Liverpool's 1.52.
Possession favored Liverpool with 55 percent of the ball, but Villa made their 45 percent count. The hosts completed 296 of 358 passes with 83 percent accuracy. Liverpool's passing was more precise at 87 percent accuracy from 424 attempts.
Rogers earned a match rating of 8.5 for his all-around display. Watkins matched van Dijk's 8.3 rating despite playing for opposite sides. Van Dijk's two goals kept Liverpool competitive despite the defeat.
The result leaves both teams locked on 59 points with identical records of 17 wins, eight draws, and 11 losses. Villa's superior goal difference gives them a slight edge in the title race. Liverpool must bounce back quickly to maintain their top-four challenge.
