Premier League
7:00 p.mMay 15, 2026
Regular season – 37
Villa Park
Referee: Chris Kavanagh, England
Aston Villa
Liverpool
Turn off the spoiler to see match stats
1.91
Expected Goals (xG)
1.52
-1.25
Prevented goals
-1.25
Passing by
296 (83%)
Accurate passes
367 (87%)
Turn off the spoiler to see the events of the match
25
G
Giorgi Mamardashvili
7.3
6
d
Miloš Kerkez
5.9
d
Virgil van Dijk (C)
52′
90+2′
5
d
Ibrahima Konate
6.2
d
Joe Gomez
62′ Stumbled
10
M
Alexis McAllister
6.5
38
M
Ryan Gravenberch
6.3
73
M
Ngumoha River
6.3
M
Dominik Szoboszlai
52′ 90+2′
17
M
Curtis Jones
6.9
18
F
Cody Steele
6.3
Substitutes
M
Florian Wirtz
66′ Replaced by R. GravenberchF
Federico Chiesa
66′ Replaced by J. GomezF
Mohamed Salah
74′ Replaced by C. Gakpo
28
G
Freddie Woodman
26
d
Andy Robertson
75
d
Happy Advertising
42
M
Trey Nyoni
53
M
James McConnell
79
F
Will Wright
Premier League Ranking – Premier League
Qualification/Relegation
- Promotion – Champions League (League phase)
- Promotion – Europa League (League phase)
- Promotion – Conference League (Play Offs)
- Relegation – Championship
Aston Villa’s attacking prowess proved too much for Liverpool as the hosts cruised to a thrilling 4-2 win at Villa Park. Morgan Rogers and Ollie Watkins led a dominant display that sees Villa stay in the title race.
Both teams arrived at Villa Park with points atop the Premier League table. Aston Villa were fifth with 59 points from 36 games, while Liverpool were fourth with an identical total. The visitors came into the game in good form, winning their last two games. Villa, however, have shown inconsistency with one win, two defeats and two draws in their last outings.
Villa struck first through Morgan Rogers in the 42nd minute. The midfielder found space in Liverpool’s defense and dismissed goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili to give the home side a crucial lead heading into the break. Rogers’ goal capped a tense opening period where Villa created genuine chances despite Liverpool’s superior possession.
In the first half, Villa had nine shots on goal. Liverpool responded with five shots on target but struggled to break down Villa’s defence. Matty Cash was shown a yellow card in the 38th minute for a rash challenge. Ollie Watkins was also booked before the interval as tension mounted on the pitch.
Liverpool emerged with renewed purpose after the break. Virgil van Dijk equalized just eight minutes into the second half in the 52nd minute with a well-placed finish. The defender’s goal suggested that a Liverpool comeback was in the works.
Villa responded immediately. Watkins restored the home side’s advantage in the 57th minute with a clinical finish. The striker doubled his tally just 16 minutes later in the 73rd minute to put Villa in control. Watkins’ two-goal display showcased his quality in front of goal as he recorded five shots on goal overall.
John McGinn added Villa’s fourth goal in the 89th minute, seemingly putting the result beyond doubt. However, van Dijk struck again in the 90+2 minute to set up a tense finish. The Liverpool defender’s second goal was just a consolation as Villa held firm.
Villa dominated the shot count with a total of 14 attempts compared to Liverpool’s 15, although the home side converted their chances more efficiently. Villa registered nine shots on target while Liverpool managed just five. Expected goals told a similar story, with Villa’s xG of 1.91 beating Liverpool’s 1.52.
Possession favored Liverpool with 55 percent of the ball, but Villa had 45 percent. The hosts completed 296 of 358 passes with 83 percent accuracy. Liverpool’s passing was more accurate with 87 per cent accuracy in 424 attempts.
Rogers earned a match rating of 8.5 for his complete display. Watkins matched van Dijk’s 8.3 rating despite playing on opposite sides. Van Dijk’s two goals kept Liverpool competitive despite the loss.
The result leaves the two teams locked on 59 points with identical records of 17 wins, eight draws and 11 losses. Villa’s superior goal difference gives them a slight edge in the title race. Liverpool must bounce back quickly to maintain their top four challenge.
