Duran double draws for Aston Villa against Liverpool

– Duran a “nightmare” –

There was still time for Villa to pull off a memorable comeback as Liverpool’s defensive weaknesses were exposed.

“He got away from us tonight, there’s no doubt,” Klopp said.

“We made a mistake for 3-2 and at that moment we opened the door for them, the atmosphere was there and they equalized.”

Watkins was denied his 20th Premier League goal of the season after Leon Bailey was run offside in the build-up after running over Moussa Diaby’s run.

After an angry exchange between Bailey and Watkins, the latter was then blamed for getting in the way of Douglas Luiz when the Brazilian would have had a clear view of goal.

Had it not been for an injury to replace Nicolo Zaniolo, Duran might not even have entered the field.

But the Colombian produced a stunning finish as he pounced on a mistake by Alexis Mac Allister to power home from the edge of the box.

Duran didn’t know much about his second as Diaby’s cross ricocheted off his thigh, but Hollywood star and Villa fan Tom Hanks was one of the 40,000 who didn’t care.

“Big Jhon is a little crazy,” McGinn added. “Sometimes he’s a nightmare to have in your team, but he has moments of quality.”

Only a brilliant save from Alisson Becker denied Diaby a stoppage time winner.

A point for Liverpool could be meaningless in their bid for the title as wins for Manchester City and Arsenal at the weekend mathematically ended Klopp’s chance of walking away as Premier League winners.

However, it could still be significant in the title race as it keeps Tottenham’s chances of Champions League football alive ahead of City’s trip to north London on Tuesday.

Even if Spurs spring a huge surprise, Villa still have a top-four finish in their hands when they visit Crystal Palace on the final day of the season on Sunday.

Villa’s superior eight-goal goal difference means a draw at Selhurst Park should be enough even if Tottenham win their final two games against City and relegate Sheffield United.

kca/mw/jc