At 22: 00 on May 20th, Beijing time, the 37th round of the Premier League in 2022-23 ushered in a focus war: Liverpool, aiming for the fourth place, played against Aston Villa.
In the Premier League standings before the game, Liverpool ranked fifth with 65 points in 36 games, and one point behind Manchester United in one round. The hope of fighting for the fourth place has basically disappeared. It is the most realistic to keep the fifth place and qualify for the Europa League next season.
After Steven emeri replaced Steven Gerrard, Aston Villa’s record rebounded strongly, from being close to the relegation zone to approaching the European war zone. At present, it ranks eighth with 57 points in 36 battles, 8 points behind Liverpool.
Let’s take a look at the starting lineup of both sides.
Liverpool started in the 4-3-3 formation, with Gakpo, Luis Diaz and Salah forming the front trident, with the midfielders Henderson, Fabio and Jones, the four defenders Robertson, Fan Dike, konate and Arnold, and the goalkeeper allison. The total value of the first eleven people is 520 million euros.
Aston Villa started at 4231, with center Watkins, avant-garde line Ramsey, Mackin, Leon Bailey, double backyards Luis and Camara, four defenders Digne, Lance, Konsa, Cash and goalkeeper Martinez. The total value of the first eleven people is 290 million euros.
Klopp, the Liverpool manager, was suspended from the match and had to sit in the audience as a spectator.
In the 20th minute, Aston Villa made a counterattack. Watkins took the ball to the restricted area from the left, and konate kicked it down from behind. The referee awarded a penalty. Watkins took the penalty and missed himself. Liverpool escaped.
In the 27th minute, Douglas Lewis made a wonderful pass, Ramsey put in a push and scored! Liverpool at home are 0-1 behind Aston Villa.
In the 39th minute, Aston Villa’s frontcourt free kick passed directly, and Ramsey inserted the ball and hit the door, which was destroyed by allison who was out in time.
In the 40th minute, Luis Diaz headed the ball into the penalty area and missed the goal.
In the 45th minute, Mince lifted his foot too high and kicked Gakpo in the chest, and was shown a yellow card warning by the referee.
Judging from the situation in the first half, Liverpool, which is stronger at home, didn’t have any advantage. I don’t know why coach klopp couldn’t command it, or because he didn’t make progress after knowing that there was little hope for the fourth place.
In the 90th minute, Salah made a cross from the right, and firmino, who came off the bench, scored a goal. This is the last home of the season. firmino, who will leave the team at the end of the season, said goodbye to the fans in such a way, which is satisfactory.
There are still nearly eight minutes left in stoppage time, and Liverpool still don’t want to make progress, but it may be that they know the result of another game that ended first at the same time. Manchester United beat Bournemouth 1-0 away, and it is no use trying so hard.
After the battle, Liverpool scored 66 points in 37 games, still ranked fifth in the Premier League standings, with one round left in the league, three points behind Newcastle and Manchester United, which have two rounds left. Basically, it can be declared that the race for four has failed, although the goal difference is more than Manchester United. If we try our best to win Villa at home, there may be some hope.
