Aston Villa vs. Liverpool result: Mane sends Reds level with Man City in title race

Liverpool kept their hopes of a quadruple alive as goals from Joel Matip and Sadio Mane ensured they took maximum points off Aston Villa in a cagey 2-1 win.

The Reds sit level on points with Manchester City at the top of the table with just two games left to play and Pep Guardiola's side know if they win their three remaining matches, starting with Wolves on Wednesday night, they'll be crowned champions.

Liverpool were made to work for their victory over Steven Gerrard's men this evening though and found themselves a goal down inside three minutes with Douglas Luiz opening the scoring on what was his 100th Premier League appearance.

The visitors were quick to respond through unlikely scorer Matip. Villa failed to clear their lines from a Liverpool attack just three minutes later and after Virgil van Dijk's effort was saved, his centre-back partner was on hand to tap home from close range.

Villa and Liverpool both squandered easy chances throughout and with Mohamed Salah benched, Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota and Mane were left trying to find another breakthrough.

It was the latter who eventually combined with Diaz in the second half to score his 15th Premier League goal of the season, the Senegalese heading home from six yards after his team-mate's inch-perfect cross.

A vital three points for the Reds keeps the pressure on City, although as Klopp now turns his attention to Saturday's FA Cup final with Chelsea he'll be hoping Fabinho is fit to play after being forced off with what looked like a hamstring injury in the first half.

Aston Villa vs. Liverpool final score   1H 2H Final Aston Villa  1 1 1 Liverpool 1 2 2

Goals: 

Aston Villa: Douglas Luiz (3)

Liverpool: Joel Matip (6), Sadio Mane (65)

Aston Villa vs. Liverpool updates and highlights: as it happened

FULL-TIME: Liverpool had to withstand plenty of Villa pressure but Klopp's men hold on to take a vital three points. It's now over to City, who play Wolves on Wednesday night.

90th min: Liverpool are still living dangerously. Buendia has a chance but his header from the near post from a corner is glanced over.

86th min: Seconds after forcing Alisson into a save from a tight angle, the striker has the ball in the back of the net but it's ruled offside and he barely celebrates, knowing the flag was going to be raised.

84th min: Keita almost makes up for his mis-kick in the first half with a spectacular half-volley from outside the box but it flys just wide.

82nd min: A last throw of the dice for Gerrard and his team as he sends Bertrand Traore on up front to replace Watkins.

78th min: Alexander-Arnold has been quiet by his standards tonight and shortly after getting forward to fizz a ball into the box, he's back down the other end putting an end to a rare Villa attack.

71st min: Salah is on for Diaz and almost scores with his second touch... but his first touch takes it into Martinez's hands having run onto a lofted ball. That would have been quite the impact.

69th min: Liverpool are far from home and dry here. Ings is causing all sorts of problems for the Reds' backline and after bursting through, his heavy touch forces a save from Alisson. Buendia is on for Coutinho.

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