Aston Villa humble Liverpool to secure Champions League qualification

TL;DR

Aston Villa defeated Liverpool 4-2, securing Champions League qualification. Liverpool's loss raises concerns about their future in the competition as they remain at risk of missing out.

Key points

Aston Villa won 4-2 against Liverpool
Villa secured Champions League football for next season
Liverpool is at risk of missing Champions League qualification
Ollie Watkins scored two goals for Villa
John McGinn scored a sensational strike

Aston VillaLiverpoolBournemouthManchester City

John McGinn scored in Aston Villa's victory over Liverpool (Darren Staples) (Darren Staples/AFP/AFP) Aston Villa secured Champions League football with a 4-2 win over Liverpool on Friday that leaves the Reds still at risk of missing out on Europe's elite competition next season. Ollie Watkins struck twice as Villa boss Unai Emery was rewarded for naming a strong side just days before the Europa League final. Liverpool slip to fifth and remain just four points ahead of Bournemouth, who have two games remaining. Even if the Reds do limp over the line to Champions League qualification, the manner of another dismal defeat raised fresh questions over Arne Slot's future. The Liverpool boss has remained confident he will be in charge next season despite a desperately disappointing title defence. Slot was again hampered by a lengthy injury list with Alisson Becker, Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike absent, while Florian Wirtz and Mohamed Salah were only fit enough to come off the bench. But Liverpool collapsed alarmingly in the second half just when they had got back into the game thanks to 's equaliser. Emery learned his lesson after a second string side were booed off and beaten by struggling ahead of Villa's Europa League semi-final, second leg against . The Spaniard named what many expect to be his starting line-up for Wednesday's final against in Istanbul as Villa aim to win a major trophy for the first time in 30 years. A brilliantly worked short corner routine teed up to curl in the opening goal four minutes before half-time. Liverpool responded after the break as Van Dijk headed in from 's free-kick. Moments later the visitors were inches away from taking the lead when rattled the inside of the post. But momentum swung back decisively in Villa's favour when Szoboszlai slipped deep inside his own half to allow Rogers to cross for Watkins to tap in. Wave upon wave of Villa attack then raged towards the Liverpool goal. 's curling effort then came back off the crossbar Liverpool failed to clear the resulting corner and Watkins pounced for his second goal despite a fine double save from to deny and . A sensational strike from captain John McGinn that found the top corner rounded off a night to remember for Villa as they are set for just a second season in Europe's top competition since 1982/83. Van Dijk nodded in another consolation in stoppage time for Liverpool. But should Bournemouth shock on Tuesday, Liverpool face the prospect of a nervy final day at home to to ensure they do not miss out on the Champions League. kca/bsp

Q&A

How did Aston Villa secure Champions League qualification?

Aston Villa secured Champions League qualification by defeating Liverpool 4-2.

What does Liverpool's loss mean for their Champions League hopes?

Liverpool's loss puts them at risk of missing out on Champions League qualification, as they are only four points ahead of Bournemouth.

Who scored for Aston Villa in the match against Liverpool?

Ollie Watkins scored twice, and John McGinn also scored in Aston Villa's victory over Liverpool.

Aston Villa humble Liverpool to secure Champions League qualification

TL;DR

Key points

Q&A

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