The end of the season cannot come soon enough for Liverpool’s emotionally and physically shattered players, as evidenced by Monday night’s crazy 3-3 draw with Aston Villa.

 The Reds took an early lead thanks to Emiliano Martinez’s comical own goal, and despite allowing their hosts back into the game after a poor pass from Alexis Mac Allister led to Youri Tielemans leveling from Ollie Watkins’ cut-back, Jurgen Klopp’s side went two goals up thanks to Cody Gakpo’s tap-in and Jarell Quansah’s header. 

Goalkeeper & Defence

Alisson Becker (6/10):

Almost conceded a goal with a dangerous pass, but made a couple of big saves from Nicolo Zaniolo and Diaby. Nothing he could have done to achieve any of the goals.

Trent Alexander-Arnold (5/10):

The attacking right-back played an unusually quiet game, attempting numerous crosses but with little success. I also lost the ball several times.

Jarell Quansah (7/10):

Watkins beat him far too easily on the Villa goal, but he did make one excellent block on the forward before scoring Liverpool’s third with a towering header.

Virgil van Dijk (6/10):

The shoddy nature of the defending all around him has made him furious once more. However, he must accept some responsibility for failing to prepare his defence.

Joe Gomez (5/10):

Filled in for Robertson at left-back and made a well-timed run to set up Gakpo for a tap-in, but was put through his paces by Leon Bailey, as expected, and was also guilty of losing Diaby at one point.

Midfielder

Harvey Elliott (8/10):

Another dynamic performance from the 21-year-old, who assisted in two goals, including a deflected cross that Martinez fumbled into the net and a lovely free-kick delivery that Quansah rose to head in.

Wataru Endo (6/10):

Despite working tirelessly, I was unable to gain a true understanding of the game. Replaced with 15 minutes to go.

Alexis Mac Allister (3/10):

It came as a huge surprise to see him stay on the field, given that the loose pass that led to Villa’s equaliser was a sign of his obvious fatigue. The error that led to the hosts’ second goal seemed unavoidable.

Attack

Mohamed Salah (7/10):

Caused Lucas Digne a lot of problems in the first half, but his influence waned as the game progressed.

Cody Gakpo (8/10):

Unlike many of his fellow forwards, the Dutchman is finishing the season strong. His goal was simply a reward for another strong performance leading the line for Liverpool.

Luis Diaz (6/10):

I can’t fault the Colombian for his effort or passion, but he was clearly frustrated by his inability to make something happen. It’s no surprise that he was hauled off in the 75th minute.

Subs & Manager

Jurgen Klopp (5/10):

Liverpool’s defence remains a shambles, and the manager made a huge mistake by leaving a clearly exhausted Mac Allister on the field, but his faith in Elliott and Gakpo was once again proven correct.