EPL: Liverpool score late winner against Aston Villa, Chelsea climb to third

Sadio Mane scored the game-winner against Aston Villa. Photo credit: Reuters

Liverpool scored two late goals, as they came from behind to beat Aston Villa and preserve their six-point lead at the top of the Premier League on Sunday (NZ time). 

The Reds Liverpool looked set for their first league defeat since January 3 - and their first defeat in 28 league games - after Trezeguet's first-half goal at Villa Park.

Roberto Firmino had a goal ruled out by VAR for offside and Villa defended stoutly until the 87th minute when Robertson headed in an equaliser from Sadio Mane's cross.

And Mane then ensured Liverpool took all three points as Mane snatched the second goal in injury time.

Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp said his side made it difficult for themselves but deserved the victory.

"Of course, it is lucky when you score these [late] goals, but I think if you watch the game, then I think if one team deserved to win it, then it is us," he said.

Meanwhile, Champions Manchester City kept the gap at six points as they too came from behind to beat Southampton 2-1.

Just over a week after shipping nine goals at home to Leicester, Southampton took a shock lead at Manchester City when James Ward-Prowse found the net after 13 minutes.

Sergio Agüero. Photo credit: Reuters

But Sergio Aguero equalised, and Kyle Walker won it for the hosts three minutes from the end of the 90.

City manager Pep Guardiola said his side threw everything into attack and it paid off.

"We were so patient. We were aggressive. The rhythm was high from the first minute. Big compliments to the team; it was not easy and we did it," he said.

Elsewhere, Chelsea went third after they won 2-1 at bottom side Watford in the day's late game.

John Lundstram scored twice as Sheffield United, promoted to the Premier League in the summer, beat Burnley 3-0 to move into the top six.

Arsenal stayed fifth after a 1-1 draw with Wolves while Bournemouth are seventh after a 1-0 win over Manchester United in the lunchtime kick-off.

In a match played in gusting winds, Josh King won it for Bournemouth with a brilliant goal on the stroke of halftime, to leave United down in 10th, 18 points behind leaders Liverpool.

Brighton moved into the top half after a 2-0 win over Norwich, while Newcastle won 3-2 at West Ham to move away from trouble.

AAP

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