BIRMINGHAM, England -- When Trent Alexander-Arnold, readied to take a corner as the clock ticked down at Villa Park, with seconds left in his 100th appearance for Liverpool, there was apprehension among the home supporters and expectation in the away end.
It was the 95th minute, seven after Andy Robertson cancelled out Trezeguet's first-half opener for Aston Villa and there were just 60 seconds remaining for the league leaders to rescue three points. Liverpool were several levels below their best, without rhythm or surety in their play, all afternoon and the fixture was ready to be filed under "just one of those days.