Salah scores, sets up equalizer as Liverpool draws 2-2 at Villa to lead Premier League by 8 points

By Canadian Press on February 19, 2025.

Mohamed Salah scored one goal and set up the equalizer by Trent Alexander-Arnold in Liverpool’s 2-2 draw at Aston Villa that stretched its lead in the Premier League to eight points on Wednesday.

Salah tucked away with his league-leading 24th goal of the campaign to put Liverpool ahead at Villa Park in the 29th minute, only for the leaders to fall behind by halftime following a volley by Youri Tielemans and a header from Ollie Watkins.

Alexander-Arnold ran onto an inside pass from Salah and drove in a shot that deflected past Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez in the 61st as Liverpool salvaged a point, avoiding what would have been just a second league defeat of the season.

Liverpool has now played a game more than second-place Arsenal, which appears to be the only other realistic challenger for the title.

Liverpool is seeking a 20th top-flight championship to tie the record of Manchester United.

Salah is spearheading the Reds’ title charge. Not only is the Egypt forward the league’s top scorer, with five more than nearest challenger Erling Haaland of Manchester City, he has more assists than anyone else with 15.

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AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

Steve Douglas, The Associated Press