Firmino scores on Anfield farewell as Villa hold Liverpool

Brazil striker, Roberto Firmino, scored a late leveller on his final Anfield appearance as Liverpool’s winning streak ended in a 1-1 draw with Aston Villa on Saturday.

With Manchester United winning 1-0 at Bournemouth, Liverpool are three points off their rivals in fourth but United still have two games to play, making it unlikely to play Champions League football next season.

With Jurgen Klopp watching on from the stands following his FA ban, Ollie Watkins had already missed a penalty when Jacob Ramsey opened the scoring in the 27th minute for Unai Emery’s excellently organised side who were on the verge of becoming just the second team to win at Anfield in the Premier League in the last 42 fixtures.

However, Klopp called for Firmino and James Milner from the bench – both who are leaving the club in the summer – and it was the brilliant Brazilian, who was in tears at full-time, that forced home the equaliser with stoppage time approaching.

Villa were perhaps fortunate not to have the otherwise excellent Tyrone Mings sent off in the first half for a very high challenge on Cody Gakpo, who also had a goal chalked off for offside after the break.

Aston Villa know a win against Brighton on the final day will guarantee them a seventh-placed finish which would mean qualification for the Europa Conference League.

Liverpool go to already relegated Southampton for their last game of the season while Aston Villa host Brighton.

The Star