Aston Villa substitute Jhon’s double strike in the last five minutes earns 3-3 draw against Liverpool; Reds boss Klopp says his team left the door open
Aston Villa’s John Duran shoots to score against Liverpool at Villa Park, Birmingham on Monday night
Jhon Duran struck twice in the final five minutes to salvage a 3-3 draw for Aston Villa against Liverpool on Monday night.
Martinez scores own-goal
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Villa looked set for a fourth consecutive defeat in all competitions as an Emiliano Martinez own-goal and strikes from Cody Gakpo and Jarrell Quansah put the visitors on course for victory in Jurgen Klopp’s final away game in charge. But substitute Duran’s double edged Unai Emery’s men closer to the top four.
Duran celebrates his goal. Pics/AFP
Martinez’s return to fitness after he missed last weekend’s 0-1 defeat at Brighton should have been a major boost for the home side. But the Argentine World Cup-winner’s howler handed Liverpool the opening goal after just two minutes as he fumbled Harvey Elliott’s deflected cross into his own net. Villa did respond positively as Ollie Watkins burned Quansah for pace and pulled back a cross for Youri Tielemans to equalise. However, momentum swung back in Liverpool’s favour in an end-to-end encounter when Gakpo tapped in after Martinez could only parry Joe Gomez’s effort. Villa were 1-3 down just three minutes into the second half as Quansah rose highest to head in Elliott’s free-kick.
There was still time for Villa to mount a memorable comeback as Liverpool’s own defensive weaknesses were laid bare. “It got away from us tonight, there’s no doubt about that,” said Klopp. “We make a mistake for 3-2 and we open the door for them, the atmosphere was there and they score the equaliser.”
Had it not been for an injury to substitute Nicolo Zaniolo, Duran may not even have entered the field. But the Colombian produced a stunning finale as he pounced on a mistake from Alexis Mac Allister to drill home from the edge of the box. Duran didn’t know much about his second as Diaby’s pass ricocheted in off his thigh.
Pointless point for Reds
A point for Liverpool may be meaningless in their title quest as wins for Man City and Arsenal ended their title hopes. Villa visit Crystal Palace on Sunday.
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