In his final game at Anfield, Roberto Firmino scored a late equalizer, but the 1-1 draw with Aston Villa broke Liverpool’s winning streak.
After Manchester United’s 1-0 victory at Bournemouth, Liverpool are now three points behind their rivals in fourth place, but United still has two games left, making it appear highly improbable that they will play in the Champions League the following year.
Ollie Watkins had already missed a penalty when Jacob Ramsey opened the scoring (27) for Unai Emery’s superbly organized team, who were on the verge of becoming just the second team to win at Anfield in the Premier League in the previous 42 matches. Jurgen Klopp, who was watching from the stands due to his FA suspension, was present.
Firmino, a magnificent Brazilian who was in tears at fulltime, forced home the equalizer as stoppage time drew near after Klopp asked for James Milner and Firmino, both of whom are leaving the club in the summer.
Tyrone Mings, who was generally terrific, may have escaped punishment for a very high challenge on Cody Gakpo in the first half; Gakpo also had a goal disallowed for offside after the break.
Aston Villa is aware that a victory over Brighton on the penultimate day will secure them a seventh-place position and automatic entry into the Europa Conference League.
