Bobby Firmino scored on his last Liverpool home appearance to keep Liverpool’s slight hopes of playing in next season’s Champions League alive in a 1-1 home draw with Aston Villa. Liverpool looked drained and tired as perky Aston Villa battled hard at Anfield, knowing that three points would ensure them European football – at least in the Europa Conference League.Ollie Watkins had missed Villa’s best chance, firing wide from the penalty spot after he’d been fouled by Ibrahima Konate. But Unai Emery’s team continued to push forward and earned the lead just five minutes later, when Jacob Ramsey finished easily from a Douglas Luiz’s cross.The Firmino send-off 🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/MB8H0W5Cek— James Pearce (@JamesPearceLFC) May 20, 2023 But Jurgen Klopp, who wasn’t allowed in his team’s technical area due to a suspension, sent soon-to-be-former Liverpool duo James Milner and Roberto Firmino on as second-half substitutes in search of a miracle. And although the latter found an 89th-minute leveller, almost 11 minutes off added time failed to yield what would have been a dramatic winner for the Reds.Despite the emotional pull of Firmino’s strike, a draw does little for Liverpool’s hopes of a top-four finish while Emery remains on course to provide Villa fans with European football next season.Job done on the road ✅#MUFC || #BOUMUN pic.twitter.com/9Jm0SOZEJA— Manchester United (@ManUtd) May 20, 2023 Casemiro produced a fantastic moment of skill which instantly makes you remember he’s Brazilian. It’s not that players from other countries cannot hook a ball into the roof of net, but the manner in which the former Real Madrid star reacted to slam Christian Eriksen’s forward pass into the net just made us think about some sandy beach in Brazil. It was to prove the only goal for Erik Ten Hag’s team as they got the win that made their UCL qualification all but sure. Manchester United need a point in their final two games to confirm Champions League football next season.Fulham and Palace shared the spoils in their relaxed encounter in West London. Eberechi Eze did great to slip in a great ball to Odsonne Edouard to give Palace the lead at Craven Cottage. Aleksandar Mitrovic scored a penalty just before the break to record his first strike since his return from an eight-game suspension. The Serbian international completed the comeback with a second-half header to give his team the lead, but Joel Ward struck late to force a draw in the all-London clash.PREMIER LEAGUE – MATCHDAY 37SaturdayTottenham – Brentford 1-3 (1-0)/Kane 8 – Mbeumo 50, 62, Wissa 88/Bournemouth – Manchester United 0-1 (0-1)/Casemiro 9/Fulham – Crystal Palace 2-2 (1-1)/Mitrovic 45+5 pen, 61 – Edouard 34, Ward 83/Liverpool – Aston Villa 1-1 (0-1)/Firmino 89 – Ramsey 27/Wolves – Everton 1-1 (1-0)/Hee-Chan 34 – Mina 90+9/19:30: (5.60) Nott.Forest (3.90) Arsenal (1.65)Sunday15:30: (2.55) West Ham (3.50) Leeds (2.95)16:00: (1.28) Brighton (7.00) Southampton (12.0)18:00: (1.31) Man.City (6.75) Chelsea (10.5)Monday22:00: (1.43) Newcastle (5.30) Leicester (8.00)***odds are subject to change***
