Liverpool maintained the pressure on Premier League defending champions and leaders Manchester City as they survived an early scare to come from behind and beat Aston Villa 2-1 thanks to Sadio Mane’s winner. Jurgen Klopp’s side suffered a shock after only three minutes when Douglas Luiz bundled home after Liverpool keeper Alisson failed to hold his header.
The Reds was on terms within three minutes when Joel Matip scored from following defender Vigil van Dijk following a goalmouth scramble and the sides then exchanged chances before Sadio Mane put the visitors ahead with a superb angled header from Luis Diaz’s cross in the 65th minute. The win means Liverpool now lies second only on goal difference before City visits on Wednesday.
Danny Ings wasted opportunities to equalize and inflict a blow to his old club’s hopes of winning a historic quadruple although the Reds did suffer an injury setback when influential midfielder Fabinho went off in the first half with a hamstring injury that must make him doubtful for Saturday’s FA Cup final against Chelsea.