BIRMINGHAM, England (AP) — Ollie Watkins scored twice and had another goal ruled out as Aston Villa secured a stylish 4-2 victory over Liverpool at home. This win not only set Villa up for next week’s Europa League final against Freiburg but also guaranteed them a place in the Champions League.
The match, played five days before Villa’s final, saw Unai Emery’s team secure a top-five Premier League finish. Liverpool, who were initially in fifth place with three points behind, now faces uncertainty about their Champions League qualification.
Liverpool dominated the early moments, with Cody Gakpo’s goal ruled out for offside and Dominik Szoboszlai’s long-range shot saved by Emiliano Martinez. However, Villa responded well and took the lead just before halftime through a perfectly executed corner kick resulting in Morgan Rogers’ right-footed strike.
Liverpool leveled briefly after Virgil van Dijk’s header, but Villa regained control. Watkins scored twice more—one from a counterattack following Szoboszlai’s slip and another from close range after Emiliano Mamardashvili’s saves. John McGinn added Villa’s fourth goal late on with a stunning shot into the far corner.
Van Dijk’s last-minute header brought Liverpool level temporarily, but it was too late to change the outcome. Liverpool ends the season with a match against Brentford, while Villa faces Manchester City in their final game of the season.
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