Win pushes Pool closer in quest for quadruple

SADIO Mane kept Liverpool’s quadruple hopes alive after a frantic comeback win at Aston Villa.

The forward’s 22nd goal of the season earned Jurgen Klopp’s side a 2-1 victory and moved them level on points with Manchester City at the top of the Premier League.

Joel Matip cancelled out Douglas Luiz’s opener during a mad opening six minutes.

Liverpool trail City on goal difference and their rivals have the chance to move three points clear with two games left when they travel to Wolves today.

Klopp now takes his side to Wembley for Saturday’s FA Cup final with Chelsea in the next stage of their quadruple quest.

Liverpool boss Klopp hailed a “massive result and massive performance”.

He said on Sky Sports: “After the games we have played and not a good start, we needed time to adapt, but made a very good response to going 1-0 down.”

However, Klopp was not happy with a Villa player being offside in the build-up, despite being cleared by a VAR review.

“If you think I only speak about these things when we lose, this is a problem which needs solving,” Klopp said. “It was an obvious offside situation but was just played on and we were under pressure at that moment.

“VAR today was not important (in the final outcome), but in general we could really think about how we could solve that.”

Liverpool also face a wait on an injury to Fabinho.

“He felt something, which is a big blow for us,” Klopp said. “Hopefully it is not that bad, but we don’t know.”

On the title race, Klopp said: “We cannot do more than winning.

“I am pretty sure that a lot of people again thought this could be a struggle for us, and how the boys sorted that is absolutely outstanding.

“Next we have the cup final on Saturday, and we will be ready.”

Villa boss Steven Gerrard said: “In terms of commitment, heart and application – which the lads gave me – I can’t ask for more.

“At times we showed great quality as well and I’m really pleased the way we created chances against one of the best teams out there.”

Villa face Manchester City on the final day of the season and former Liverpool captain Gerrard added: “We have a purpose to try and finish as high as we can.

“We want to push for the top 10 and it has to be about us. Let’s hope we can put ourselves in a good place going to City.”

■ MANCHESTER City have agreed a deal with Borussia Dortmund to sign star striker Erling Haaland this summer.

The reigning Premier League champions announced yesterday that the highly-rated 21-year-old would join them on July 1, subject to the completion of formalities.

It is understood the player will cost a fee of £51.1 million.

Sadio Mane celebrates his winner for Liverpool against Aston Villa.