But Reds’ Champions League dream fades

Milner introduced with 17 minutes left to great acclaim.

The Brazilian, one of the few who predated Klopp at Anfield having arrived earlier in 2015, was in the right place to turn in Mo Salah’s cross for an equaliser. He looked to the sky with gratitude but even he couldn’t conjure up the winner in ten minutes of stoppage time.

Klopp wasn’t in the technical area to rouse his troops but sat high up in the stands due to a touchline ban dished out for comments he made about referee Paul Tierney.

Villa took advantage as they continue to chase their own European dream which will now be realised if they beat Brighton in their final game.

The pace of Watkins was evident when he raced clear of Ibrahima Konate after 22 minutes, forcing the defender into a rash lunge from behind that resulted in a clear penalty. Unfortunately, Watkins’ composure then deserted him in front of the Kop and he dragged his right-foot finish wide.

Liverpool should have learned their lesson but didn’t. They had four attempts to clear a corner before Douglas Luiz picked up the loose ball and curled in a cross for Ramsey to convert with a cushioned first-time finish. It was the 21-year-old’s sixth goal of the season but his first outside Villa Park.

The arrivals of Milner, Jota and Firmino gave Liverpool fresh impetus in the second half and, despite the Brazilian’s goal at the Kop end, the hosts couldn’t force a winner.

Liverpool’s players were joined by their families at full-time as they paid tribute not only to Milner and Firmino, but Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, too.

Emery said: ‘I am proud of my players. I challenged them to have something to play for in our last home game and that will happen.

‘We played very well in the first half but it’s not easy to keep the high press. To get three points would have been fantastic but it was hard in the last 10 minutes with their fans behind them.’