Roberto Firmino's late equalizer against Aston Villa kept Liverpool in the race for a Champions League spot, delaying Manchester United and Newcastle's potential qualification.
Despite Liverpool's seven consecutive wins, their match against Villa seemed to be slipping away. In a simultaneous game, United secured a 1-0 victory over Bournemouth, putting them on the verge of a four-point lead over Liverpool before their final game. However, Jacob Ramsey's goal and a disallowed Cody Gakpo goal had Villa in the lead.
It was not until Firmino's 90th-minute goal, assisted by Mohamed Salah, that Liverpool managed to salvage a draw and maintain their slim chances of a top-four finish.
United and Newcastle, still three points ahead with two games remaining, need just one more point to secure their positions. Villa's win against Liverpool would have been more significant if Ollie Watkins had not missed a penalty.
In the absence of Jurgen Klopp, who was serving a two-match ban, Liverpool's coaching staff expressed frustration at VAR's ruling against Van Dijk's offside in the build-up to Gakpo's disallowed goal. Despite their strong comeback in the second half of the season, the Reds' hopes of a Champions League return now hang by a thread, and they are likely to compete in the Europa League next season.
Meanwhile, United's victory at the Vitality Stadium, with Casemiro scoring the only goal, secured crucial points, aided by David de Gea's impressive saves in the second half. Anfield, on the other hand, did not witness a favorable outcome for Liverpool.