On late strikes from Jhon Durán, Aston Villa steals a point with Liverpool.

Aston Villa rallied for a 3-3 home tie with Liverpool on Monday, powered by two goals from Colombian super-sub Jhon Durán, and made a big step toward qualifying for the Champions League the next year.

A thrilling contest ensued when Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez let up an unexpected own goal in the second minute, but Duran came on to rescue the match with goals in the 85th and 88th minutes.
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With one game left, Villa is now on 68 points, five points ahead of fifth-place Tottenham Hotspur, who still have two games left but need to defeat title-chasing Manchester City on Tuesday to remain in the running.

On Sunday, Tottenham concludes their season against demoted Sheffield United, while Unai Emery’s team plays their final match at Crystal Palace.

Martinez, an Argentine international, mishandled a weak cross from Harvey Elliot and scrambled the ball across the line and into his own net, giving Liverpool the early advantage.

Youri Tielemans, a Belgian who had missed three games due to injury, tied the score ten minutes later for Villa, who would have secured fourth place with a victory.

Jhon Duran of Aston Villa celebrates his Premier League goal against Liverpool.
Jhon Duran of Aston Villa celebrates his Premier League goal against Liverpool.

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The happiness was short-lived, though, as Cody Gakpo gave the third-place visitors a 2-1 lead in the 23rd minute following a VAR-verified offside check. In the 48th minute, Jarell Quansah scored his first Premier League goal by heading in off the post from a free kick.

In manager Jurgen Klopp’s farewell game, Liverpool appeared to be headed for all three points. However, both sets of supporters were upset by VAR and a plethora of wasted opportunities, which could have led to a significantly higher scoreline.

“We were fortunate enough. The past several weeks have been difficult as the boys have been returning and playing through their pain. This place really fired us up,” Villa captain John McGinn said on Sky Sports.

Big Jhon is a nightmare to play against since he can be a little crazy at times.

Some of us have never even come close to winning the Champions League in our lives. The management doesn’t accept excuses. We’ve slipped people’s notice and been written off. Tomorrow, we’ll be wearing our Man City shirts.”