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Aston Villa vs Liverpool LIVE: Premier League result, final score and reaction after Duran goals earn a point

Aston Villa vs Liverpool LIVE: Premier League result, final score and reaction after Duran goals earn a point

Aston Villa came from behind twice to eventually secure a late point against Liverpool, 3-3 the final score in a crazy and chaotic fixture.

Emi Martinez scored an own goal after fumbling into his net just one minute in, before Youri Tielemans equalised. Liverpool took a two goal lead thanks to Cody Gakpo and Jarell Quansah either side of half-time and looked set for the three points, until Jhon Duran came off the bench to net twice late on.

Follow all the reaction below:

Aston Villa vs Liverpool LIVE

  • Villa - Martinez, Konsa, Carlos, Torres, Digne, Bailey, Tielemans, Luiz, McGinn, Diaby, Watkins

  • Liverpool - Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Quansah, Van Dijk, Gomez, Elliott, Endo, Mac Allister, Salah, Gakpo, Diaz

  • GOAL! 1’ - Elliott’s cross is fumbled in by Martinez for an own goal (0-1)

  • GOAL! 14’ - Tielemans equalises with sweet first-time hit (1-1)

  • GOAL! 22’ - Gomez crosses for Gakpo to tap home and restore Reds’ lead (1-2)

  • GOAL! 48’ - Quansah loops a header in shortly after the restart (1-3)

  • NO GOAL! 52’ - Watkins scores but Bailey is given offside after VAR review

  • NO GOAL! 58’ - Diaz flagged offside as he runs through before squaring for a tap-in - ruled out

  • GOAL! 84’ - Duran fires in a late low shot after Mac Allister error (2-3)

  • NO GOAL! 86’ - Nunez finishes low for Liverpool but is flagged offside

  • GOAL! 88’ - Duran deflects in a pass which flies past Alisson and in (3-3)

Aston Villa FC 3 - 3 Liverpool FC

Plenty of chaos, no concentration but Aston Villa must still wait for the Champions League

22:31 , Karl Matchett

Aston Villa do not quite have the Hollywood ending to their season but the watching Tom Hanks got an illustration that football can script stranger drama than his line of work. A three-minute double from Jhon Duran – perhaps a case of Duran Duran scoring – denied Jurgen Klopp a valedictory victory on the road in his final away game as Liverpool manager.

The substitute’s brace – and his distinctly strange, rather unwitting second goal, in particular – nudged Villa closer to Champions League football, even if their destiny remains unclear.

If they are rubbing shoulders with Real Madrid and Bayern Munich next season, it may be because of Duran’s thigh. The Colombian inadvertently diverted Moussa Diaby’s 88th-minute shot past a wrongfooted Alisson, completing a comeback for a team who went 1-0 and 3-1 down.

After such a fraught, frantic night, Villa may prefer it if their fate is sealed by Manchester City on Tuesday, should they take at least a point against Tottenham. Otherwise, they have six more days to wait, and a game at Crystal Palace to negotiate, for a first taste of the European Cup in 42 seasons.

Report from Villa Park:

Crazy chaos leaves Aston Villa still waiting for the Champions League

FT - Aston Villa 3-3 Liverpool

22:07 , Karl Matchett

Villa go six points ahead of Tottenham, who have two matches left to play - one is tomorrow night against Man City.

They are very close to the top four now and that late comeback to grab a point might be exactly what they need to seal the deal.

Liverpool will finish third regardless of anything.

FT - Aston Villa 3-3 Liverpool

22:04 , Karl Matchett

There’s the final whistle - the end of a crazy game, a whole lot of nonsense moments, zero defending and a late Villa comeback to snare a point thanks to two Duran goals.

90+6’- Villa 3-3 Liverpool

22:03 , Karl Matchett

Deep, deep into stoppage time. Diaby has cramp after chasing Nunez into the corner. Villa fans urging their team forward - they need a win to wrap up fourth.

A point could yet prove important but it’s not in their hands entirely this way.

90+2’- Villa 3-3 Liverpool

21:57 , Karl Matchett

NINE minutes added on. And Villa almost start it by scoring - Diaby running in behind the defence and he rockets in a shot which Alisson produces a brilliant save from.

Torres wants a penalty for handball but he’s headed the ball onto Van Dijk, so that won’t be given.

GOAL! 88’- Villa 3-3 Liverpool

21:53 , Karl Matchett

Incredible, and yet absolutely entirely in keeping with this game - Villa are level!

And, of course, it’s a total fluke!

A fierce pass from Bailey is struck at Duran who is running through alongside Van Dijk, the ball strikes his thigh on the edge of the box and goes completely the other direction - straight past Alisson and in for 3-3! Lunacy.

86’- Villa 2-3 Liverpool

21:51 , Karl Matchett

Nunez races through keeps his composure and buries a finish - then the offside flag goes up. Decision stands, was about a yard in it.

GOAL! 84’- Villa 2-3 Liverpool

21:50 , Karl Matchett

No offside check this time! Villa back within a goal with five minutes to play and it’s another woeful error.

Mac Allister this time turns on the edge of his own box and gives it straight back to Villa; one pass into Duran’s feet and the sub spins, beats Mac Allister again and drills a low shot into the bottom corner for 3-2!

Emery has been booked for encroaching onto the pitch.

82’- Villa 1-3 Liverpool

21:48 , Karl Matchett

It’s all rather comedy stuff at the moment. Very end of season stuff.

Alexander-Arnold belts a cross overhit, then passes to nobody in the box, Chambers plays a through-pass to nobody at all at the other end.

It’s almost exquisite, except for the fact there’s no accuracy.

Lots of speed, lots of quick turns, no checking where teammates are at all. Or no runners, depending on your point of view.

78’- Villa 1-3 Liverpool

21:42 , Karl Matchett

Almost immediately an impact from one as Salah feeds Szoboszlai and he’s in on goal - a clipped shot is pawed away by Martinez for a corner. Zaniolo is down and has his boot off - looks like he may depart after about 15 minutes on the pitch.

Villa sub - Zaniolo off, Duran on. Chambers on for Luiz, too.

74’- Villa 1-3 Liverpool

21:39 , Karl Matchett

Salah and Elliott twice spurn chances to get the ball into the box or take shots. A Villa corner is then cleared by Van Dijk and he wins a free-kick.

Four subs at once for Liverpool:

Nunez, Gravenberch, Szoboszlai and Jones on for Elliott, Gakpo, Diaz and Endo.

70’- Villa 1-3 Liverpool

21:33 , Karl Matchett

First real save of the night and it’s a good one - Alisson gets down to his right to beat away Zaniolo’s shot.

It’s not cleared and two more half-chances see shots wildly swiped the breadth of the box back and forth, before Diaz turns into space and is grappled to ground by McGinn who is booked.

66’- Villa 1-3 Liverpool

21:31 , Karl Matchett

Diaby and Watkins link up again and the former has the eventual shot this time, putting himself on his right foot and on a narrow angle, but firing into the side netting.

Gakpo winds his way past two but then plays Diaz into trouble - he fouls Digne and the chance comes to an end.

62'- Villa 1-3 Liverpool

21:30 , Karl Matchett

Zaniolo on for Tielemans in a first sub of the night for Villa. Home fans trying to rouse their team for another effort to get themselves back in the game and to keep a top-four finish in their own hands.

The ruled-out goals have stopped for now, at least.

58’ - Villa 1-3 Liverpool

21:23 , Karl Matchett

Another one in the net - another flag up. It’s early this time so the VAR check is to see if that’s correct.

Diaz runs through, Konsa might be just high enough to play offside, then the Colombian squares and either Elliott or Salah knocks it in - they both went for it.

Either way, it’s offside, still 3-1.

56’ - Villa 1-3 Liverpool

21:19 , Karl Matchett

Carnage. Allison clears against Watkins, Diaby takes on the last defender and gives it back to Watkins, he for some reason backheels instead of laying it off again...the ball bobbles wide.

Liverpool should be punished for the poor defensive work, Villa should possibly never be allowed possession again for squandering some of these chances.

What a crazy game.

NO GOAL! 52’ - Villa 1-3 Liverpool

21:17 , Karl Matchett

Nope, Liverpool escape - Bailey is just slightly offside. He and Diaby have more than a few words about that, with the latter coming from deeper and he would have been on. Watkins and Luiz also involved.

GOAL! 51’ - Villa 2-3 Liverpool

21:16 , Karl Matchett

Straight up the other end, ball in the net!

A very strange phase as everybody stops, including Bailey, then he decides to sprint again, cuts the ball back to Watkins and he bundles the ball into the net!

3-2...but a VAR check for offside. Looks close.

GOAL! 48’ - Villa 1-3 Liverpool

21:14 , Karl Matchett

And they’ve fallen asleep again!

Elliott delivers a free-kick to the far post, Quansah rises highest above Digne and loops a header past Martinez and in off the far post!

3-1 to the Reds and Emery raises his eyes to the sky.

46' - Villa 1-2 Liverpool

21:13 , Karl Matchett

Back underway at Villa Park. What have the home side got in response; they started the first half very slowly. Can’t afford same again.

HT - Villa 1-2 Liverpool

21:04 , Karl Matchett

Ok here it is - watch this one as many times as you want, there’s still no clue or consensus as to what on earth Emi Martinez was trying to do.

Not his first fumble, flap and ensuing own goal, either.

HT - Villa 1-2 Liverpool

20:55 , Karl Matchett

A strange half: some very fluid moves, a couple of well-worked goals and a lot of terrible defensive work.

HT - Villa 1-2 Liverpool

20:53 , Karl Matchett

One more chance for Villa to push forward but Van Dijk and Quansah between them clear up. Elliott then feeds Gakpo but his pass halts the momentum and the game drifts to the interval, via Salah spooning one over when it was offside anyway.

Liverpool lead at the break, Gakpo’s goal the difference following Martinez’s first-minute own goal and Tielemans’ equaliser.

45’+3 - Villa 1-2 Liverpool

20:50 , Karl Matchett

Diaby takes some flak from the Villa fans this time as he runs behind the defence once again but tries a backheel to Bailey instead of a more conventional pass or shot. Gomez intercepts easily.

Diaz and Alexander-Arnold both have presentable chances to set up chances but both woefully overhit their passes.

McGinn is down again and wants some attention to what he feels was an elbow in the ribs. There was a bump between he and Mac Allister, nothing particularly untoward, and another soon after with Gakpo - neither looked particularly worrisome on first glance but he’s feeling something for sure.

44’ - Villa 1-2 Liverpool

20:47 , Karl Matchett

Into the final minute of the half, before added time - of which there will be five minutes.

McGinn spoken to again by Hooper after more complaints. Alexander-Arnold curls one at goal from 30 yards but it’s comfortably off-target.

Up the other end, Alexander-Arnold gives it away with a poor pass and Diaby is played in - one touch and lashes it miles over the bar. Needed a lot more composure.

40’ - Villa 1-2 Liverpool

20:41 , Karl Matchett

Harvey Elliott into the book for delaying Villa’s free-kick, kicking the ball away after Simon Hooper gives another, shall we say, improbable foul.

Jurgen Klopp covers his face with his hat, perhaps to avoid venting at the official who he has previously highlighted as not being his favourite.

A booking tonight for the Liverpool boss and he’ll miss his final Anfield match through a touchline suspension.

36’ - Villa 1-2 Liverpool

20:38 , Karl Matchett

How on earth have Villa not scored?! A free-kick isn’t cleared, Bailey smashes it across the goal line and with Watkins waiting at the far post, Carlos sticks out a foot in front of him...and pokes it wide! Looked a lot harder to not score but the defender managed it, as well as denying his top-scoring teammate.

32’ - Villa 1-2 Liverpool

20:35 , Karl Matchett

Villa press high and win the ball twice outside the Liverpool box but in turn it’s Gomez, Salah and Alexander-Arnold who keep the home side at bay and clear the danger.

McGinn has a bit of a rant at the ref when a free-kick doesn’t go his way, then the ref immediately gives Villa a soft foul five seconds later when Digne collapses.

28’ - Villa 1-2 Liverpool

20:31 , Karl Matchett

Bailey and Watkins combine once more but Van Dijk is in the way this time to block and clear. Both teams looking rather more open than they’d like to be, but it’s certainly making for an entertaining encounter in this first half.

GOAL! 24’ - Villa 1-2 Liverpool

20:27 , Karl Matchett

Goal given! Gomez just a slight margin onside, Gakpo more comfortably so!

GOAL! 22’ - Villa 1-2 Liverpool

20:25 , Karl Matchett

Liverpool back in front! Gakpo plays it right to Salah and his big switch sees Diaz and Gomez combine on an overlap, the latter crosses low and Gakpo has continued his run to simply knock home into the net from four or five yards.

VAR check on Gomez, however.

20’ - Villa 1-1 Liverpool

20:23 , Karl Matchett

Watkins is played in by Bailey once more and he looks to dink the keeper - this time Quansah does far better with the danger, coming across to close down his man.

Liverpool’s fast start has definitely faded - they are looking rather more ragged at the back now.

16’ - Villa 1-1 Liverpool

20:20 , Karl Matchett

More impressive work from Villa now as Watkins and McGinn link up nicely. They are almost opened up with one pass over the top however, Salah running behind the entire defence, but Martinez is out quickly to clear up and pass out of danger.

GOAL! 12’ - Villa 1-1 Liverpool

20:14 , Karl Matchett

Salah, Diaz and Gakpo combine in somehwat unnecesarily spectacular fashion but the offside flag is just up against the Colombian, before the Dutchman hits the post. More poor defensive work from Villa though.

But forward come Villa with Watkins, involved for the first time, he breaks into the area down the left and pulls it back for Tielemans - who lashes one home first time! All square again!

8’ - Villa 0-1 Liverpool

20:11 , Karl Matchett

Elliott has been the big early threat for the visitors, twice getting past his man into the box and creating danger.

Now Diaby finally does the same at the other end to beat Gomez and tee up Bailey, but his shot isn’t quite made with great connection, but it is a first venture forward for the hosts.

4’ - Villa 0-1 Liverpool

20:10 , Karl Matchett

Very nearly 2-0 immediately - Salah cuts inside in simple fashion and bends a strike around the defender, just clipping Pau Torres and flying wide of the far post.

Villa just haven’t got started yet.

 (Action Images via Reuters)
(Action Images via Reuters)

GOAL 1’ - Villa 0-1 Liverpool

20:04 , Karl Matchett

What a start for Liverpool, what a bizarre goal!

Elliott sprints down the right, plays a one-two with Salah, crosses in fairly routine fashion and....Martinez somehow fumbles the ball behind himself and into the net! It took a tiny deflection but he still caught the ball, then it bounced out off his chest and the keeper actually pushes it over the line and in!

1-0 to Liverpool.

1’ - Villa 0-0 Liverpool

20:03 , Karl Matchett

We are underway! A big noise greets kick-off and Villa fans ask their players to go one final time at home.

Aston Villa vs Liverpool

19:56 , Karl Matchett

Villa Park is rocking - a result tonight and they are in the Champions League next season. Liverpool are finishing third regardless but bounced back to winning ways last time out - Villa have lost three in a row.

Let’s see how tonight pans out, kick-off is next!

Aston Villa vs Liverpool

19:50 , Karl Matchett

Ten minutes to kick-off at Villa Park. May 2011 was the last home league win for Villa against the Reds in front of fans! Been a while.

Latest odds for tonight’s match:

Villa win 3/1

Draw 10/3

Liverpool win 4/5

Is Aston Villa v Liverpool on TV? Time, channel and how to watch

19:45 , Karl Matchett

Aston Villa host Liverpool looking to secure their spot in next season’s Champions League as two of the top four clash.

Unai Emery’s side would secure fourth place with a win over their visitors as they look to ward off Tottenham.

For Liverpool, the Premier League title is now out of reach but the club will no doubt be seeking a strong finish to send off Jurgen Klopp.

They take on Wolves at Anfield on the final day, while Aston Villa conclude their campaign against Crystal Palace.

Here’s everything you need to know.

Is Aston Villa v Liverpool on TV? Kick-off time, channel and how to watch

Aston Villa vs Liverpool

19:40 , Karl Matchett

Ollie Watkins is starting again and one more goal for him will bring up 20 Premier League strikes for the campaign.

Trying to stop him will be Alisson Becker, a man with his own milestone tonight.

Aston Villa vs Liverpool

19:32 , Karl Matchett

Jurgen Klopp speaking to Sky ahead of kick-off:

“I want to see good football and results would benice as well. Everyone around is playing for everything and we cannot make a move. But I want to see us play for the love of good football, look at the quality we have and use it.

“Unai Emery is an incredibly talented manager, his teams are always structured, defend in 4-4-2, he improves players. It’s a top Premier League team.

“For us it’s not about confidence, I cannot tell the boys anything now because it’s not my job for next season any more. But it’s the same situation (as against Spurs), we understand the responsibility and probably the headlines are written tonight already.”

On being one card away from a suspension for his final game:

“They [the league] gave me Simon Hooper, it was obviously the biggest challenge they could find! I should be alright.”

Aston Villa vs Liverpool

19:26 , Karl Matchett

More about Villa’s defence: 19th in the Premier League for aerial duels won. Tyrone Mings was third in the league pre-injury for aerial successes but he has been out for most of the campaign.

Liverpool are top of that particular stat for this season, in fact - Virgil van Dijk individually has won more aerials than 96% of Premier League centre-backs this term.

Aston Villa vs Liverpool

19:18 , Karl Matchett

Since the defeat to Spurs, only Luton have worse underlying numbers than Aston Villa, Sky Sports tell us - in other words, their xG for and against has gone horrifically bad.

“They’ve fallen off a cliff defensively,” says Jamie Carragher. “Teams are playing wider [against them] and they are conceding off set pieces.”

Can Villa get themselves back on track tonight or are they now coasting to fourth and the end of the season?

19:10 , Karl Matchett

Aston Villa boss Unai Emery has urged his side to finish the season by booking Champions League football after their European dream ended in a Greek tragedy at Olympiacos.

Villa were eyeing a first European final since 1982 but, with the ancient Acropolis in the backdrop of the Stadio Georgios Karaiskakis, their hopes are now in ruins after a 6-2 aggregate defeat.

Emery will see this as a huge missed opportunity to win a fifth European trophy in a tournament they were favourites for.

They will hope not be back in this third-tier competition any time soon as they can seal Champions League qualification at the weekend if they beat Liverpool on Monday or Spurs lose to Burnley on Saturday.

Unai Emery urges Villa to forget European exit and book Champions League place

Aston Villa vs Liverpool

19:02 , Karl Matchett

Confirmed lineups for tonight!

Villa - Martinez, Konsa, Carlos, Torres, Digne, Bailey, Tielemans, Luiz, McGinn, Diaby, Watkins

Liverpool - Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Quansah, Van Dijk, Gomez, Elliott, Endo, Mac Allister, Salah, Gakpo, Diaz

Aston Villa vs Liverpool

18:55 , Karl Matchett

Confirmed line-ups and team news coming up shortly!

Morgan Rogers could miss the rest of the season with injury, joining Emiliano Buendia, Tyrone Mings, Boubacar Kamara and Jacob Ramsey on the sidelines. Youri Tielemans, Nicolo Zaniolo and Alex Moreno are also doubts.

Andy Robertson was absent from Liverpool training on Friday, though should be ok to feature. Diogo Jota, Joel Matip and Thiago Alcantara are unavailable due to injury.

Harry Latham-Coyle’s predicted line-ups

Aston Villa XI: Martinez; Cash, Torres, Lenglet, Digne; Diaby, Luiz, McGinn, Bailey; Duran, Watkins

Liverpool XI: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Quansah, Van Dijk, Robertson; Elliott, Endo, Mac Allister; Salah, Nunez, Diaz

Which Premier League sides qualify for Europe?

18:45 , Karl Matchett

As well as a dramatic title race, the Premier League is heading for a frantic late scramble to decide the final European places this season - with several spots still up for grabs as we enter the final week of the campaign.

Aston Villa are in the driving seat to secure the fourth Champions League place, in what would be a stunning achievement for Unai Emery’s side. But Tottenham Hotspur are still mathematically in with a shout, even if a poor run of form for Ange Postecoglou’s side has Spurs looking over their shoulders as well.

Manchester United, meanwhile, have suddenly dropped out of the race for sixth, as both Newcastle United and Chelsea enjoy resurgent ends to difficult campaigns. So, with a week of the season to go, here’s how the battle for the final European places is shaping up.

Which Premier League sides qualify for Europe this season?

Aston Villa vs Liverpool

18:35 , Karl Matchett

Eight and a half years after Jurgen Klopp’s reign began against Tottenham, five years after it peaked in a Champions League final against them, Spurs may prove a final example of what made it great and why Anfield will mourn the German.

An action-packed affair – like many a game this season, some of the drama stemmed from Liverpool’s defensive frailties – contained irrepressible pressing, irresistible attacking football, a goal and two assists from a rampant and recalled Mohamed Salah: Liverpool’s only regret could be that it came now and not a few weeks earlier. If it was too late for the title race, it was too good for Tottenham.

Klopp probably didn’t borrow one of Sir Alex Ferguson’s more infamous team talks – “lads, it’s Tottenham” – but he could have done.

If this was Liverpool’s last great game under Jurgen Klopp, it told a story

Virgil van Dijk committed to Liverpool and ‘excited’ for transition after Jurgen Klopp exit

18:20 , Karl Matchett

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk insists he will be “part of” the huge transition which will take place when Jurgen Klopp leaves later this month.

The Netherlands international has just a year left on his contract and there will inevitably be a large amount of turmoil following the end of Klopp’s almost nine-year reign.

But Van Dijk insists he is happy at the club as they move into the new era which will be under his compatriot Arne Slot, the Feyenoord head coach with whom Liverpool have agreed a deal as well as compensation with the Eredivisie side.

Virgil van Dijk ‘excited’ for Liverpool transition after Klopp exit

Why Jurgen Klopp could get a touchline ban and miss Liverpool goodbye

18:05 , Karl Matchett

Jurgen Klopp’s emotional farewell to Liverpool fans has been anticipated ever since he announced he would be stepping down as manager at the end of the season back in January.

Yet that goodbye may now be in danger as he faces the threat of a touchline ban ahead of the Reds’s season finale against Wolves at Anfield on Sunday.

Why could Jurgen Klopp face a touchline ban?

If Klopp gets a yellow card for his behaviour on the touchline during Liverpool’s clash with Aston Villa this evening, then an automatic one-match touchline ban would be triggered as it would be his third of the campaign.

Full details here:

Why Jurgen Klopp could get a touchline ban and miss Liverpool goodbye

One word conjures memories of Liverpool’s greatest night under Jurgen Klopp

17:50 , Karl Matchett

In the closing minutes of Liverpool’s win over Tottenham on Sunday, many at Anfield were singing a Nottingham Forest substitute’s name. Not, admittedly, because he is a Nottingham Forest substitute. But if mentions of Divock Origi were a reminder the Belgian scored Liverpool’s second goal in the 2019 Champions League final against Spurs, it was, at most, only his second finest night at the club.

Tuesday marks the fifth anniversary of the best, the game that encapsulated everything that was superb about Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool. Barcelona – and the details are sufficiently well known that one word can suffice as an explanation – brought fearless, ferocious attacking football in an intense atmosphere, Liverpool’s capacity for comebacks shown by their most sensational. Klopp, the manager who pledged at his unveiling to turn doubters into believers, had Anfield believing in the impossible until it became possible and then actual. A coach who declared his aim was not to be the best team in the world but to beat the best may have achieved the former by doing the latter.

One word conjures memories of Liverpool’s greatest night under Jurgen Klopp

Aston Villa vs Liverpool

17:35 , Karl Matchett

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp launched a concerted defence of under-fire striker Darwin Nunez after speculation about his future escalated.

Following Sunday’s 4-2 win over Tottenham, the Uruguay international, who missed a relatively-simple one-on-one with goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario after coming on as a substitute, deleted all pictures of him playing for Liverpool from his Instagram account.

That led to increased conjecture about the 24-year-old, who has enjoyed a mixed couple of seasons since joining from Benfica for a potential club-record £85million transfer fee.

But Klopp believes the forward’s goals – he has 33 in 94 appearances – and assists do not give a fully-rounded picture of his contribution.

Jurgen Klopp defends ‘unlucky’ Darwin Nunez amid Liverpool transfer speculation

Aston Villa vs Liverpool

17:20 , Karl Matchett

Pep Guardiola has told Manchester City there is no room for error at Tottenham as he believes their hopes of a fourth successive title will be over if they drop points.

After cruising to victory over Fulham last weekend, there is a scenario where City could draw in London and claim the title on goal difference if they thrash West Ham on Sunday and another where Arsenal drop points against Everton.

But Guardiola, who has never won at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the Premier League, feels anything other than a victory could come at a huge cost.

City have won their last seven league games and Guardiola compared it to previous run-ins where his side finished with winning runs.

“It’s obvious,” Guardiola said. “We have just one option: win the game. We travel for that. I felt from what happened in the past with the way we were playing against Liverpool [for the title] I said either we win, win, win or it will be over.”

Pep Guardiola reveals Liverpool lesson driving Man City in title race

Aston Villa vs Liverpool

17:05 , The Independent

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Good afternoon!

10:03 , Mike Jones

Welcome to The Independent’s coverage of tonight’s Premier League action as Aston Villa take on Liverpool.

The hosts will hope to cap off a spectacular season with a victory over the Reds which would secure them a spot in the Champions League next year.

They come into the game fourth in the league with a four-point buffer over Tottenham. Three points this evening woulc give them an unassailable lead and ensure Unai Emery’s men are playing in the European top-flight in 2024/25.

Liverpool, meanwhile, are out of the title race and are just focusing on ending the season on a high. Boss Jurgen Klopp is leaving at the conclusion of this season and the team will be hoping to send him off with two wins from their last two league games.

We’ll have all the updates, team news and line-ups throughout the afternoon to stick with us as we build up to kick off at 8pm.