GistReel
Aston Villa secured qualification for next season’s UEFA Champions League after a dominant 4-2 victory over Liverpool at Villa Park.
A brace from Ollie Watkins and goals from Morgan Rogers and John McGinn sealed a memorable night for Unai Emery’s side, who confirmed a top-four finish with one league match remaining.
The result also strengthened Villa’s momentum ahead of Wednesday’s Europa League final against SC Freiburg in Istanbul.
Watkins leads ruthless Villa performance
Villa opened the scoring through Rogers, who curled home after a well-worked corner routine caught Liverpool’s defence off guard.
Virgil van Dijk equalised early in the second half with a header from a free-kick delivery, briefly lifting the visitors.
However, Villa regained control five minutes later when Watkins punished a slip from Dominik Szoboszlai before finishing calmly past Giorgi Mamardashvili.
Watkins added his second goal in the 73rd minute after Liverpool failed to clear their lines, taking his league tally into double figures for the season.
McGinn later completed the rout with a powerful strike from outside the area before Van Dijk scored a late consolation for Liverpool in stoppage time.
Liverpool under pressure In top-four race
The defeat leaves Liverpool’s Champions League qualification hopes uncertain heading into the final weekend of the season.
Manager Arne Slot was again without striker Alexander Isak, who missed the match through a minor injury.
Liverpool introduced Florian Wirtz, Federico Chiesa and later Mohamed Salah from the bench, but failed to recover against an aggressive Villa side.
The visitors have now suffered 19 defeats in all competitions this season.
Liverpool will finish their campaign at Anfield against Brentford, while Villa travel to face Manchester City after their European final.