Liverpool dropped points in the title race, allowing Arsenal the opportunity to narrow the gap following a thrilling 2-2 draw against Aston Villa at Villa Park.
The match featured 17 shots from Liverpool, with only three on target. The Reds led the game but also came from behind during the intense 90 minutes.
Currently, Arne Slot's side sits eight points clear of Arsenal. However, with a game in hand, Arsenal can reduce the deficit to five points if they secure a victory against West Ham on Saturday.
Aston Villa, like Liverpool, is competing in the Champions League Round of 16 and appeared poised to cause an upset, having scored two goals from just two shots on target in the first half.
Midfielder Youri Tielemans equalized in the 38th minute with a well-placed volley after Liverpool failed to clear a free kick delivered by Marcus Rashford.
Ten minutes later, Ollie Watkins headed in his 12th goal of the season, giving Villa a lead. Despite Liverpool's complaints regarding a potential handball earlier in the play, the referee allowed the goal to stand.
Following halftime, Villa nearly extended their lead when Rashford, in his first start for the club, had a chance to score. However, Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate managed to clear his shot after the goalkeeper, Alisson, ventured far from his goal.
Luck turned in Liverpool's favor when Trent Alexander-Arnold equalized in the 61st minute, benefiting from a significant deflection off Villa defender Tyrone Mings that left goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez unable to react.
Villa fans may have felt a sense of justice when Liverpool substitute Darwin Nunez missed a clear opportunity to score, sending the ball over the net from close range in the 70th minute.
Additional drama unfolded in the 81st minute when Villa substitute Jacob Ramsey had a goal disallowed for being offside.
Earlier in the match, Mohamed Salah played a crucial role, scoring the opening goal in the 29th minute after a defensive error from Villa's Andres Garcia allowed Diogo Jota to assist him for an easy finish.
This goal marked Salah's 15th away goal of the Premier League season, surpassing Luis Suarez's previous record of 14 set in the 2013/14 season. With a total of 39 goals and assists this season, Salah has surpassed Cristiano Ronaldo's best-ever Premier League season and is the first player since Eden Hazard in 2018/19 to achieve 15 or more goals and assists in the same campaign.
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