BIRMINGHAM: Ollie Watkins scored twice as Aston Villa eased to a 4-2 Premier League victory over Liverpool on Friday to seal Champions League qualification for next season and leave their visitors looking over their shoulder at the chasing pack.
The win moves Villa into fourth place with 62 points from their 37 games, leapfrogging their opponents, who have 59 points from the same number of matches.
Liverpool remain vulnerable to being caught by both Bournemouth and Brighton & Hove Albion in the race for a Champions League place as they slipped to a 12th defeat of the season with a single point from the last nine available.
Morgan Rogers gave Villa a first half lead before Virgil van Dijk equalised for Liverpool early in the second period and then got another in added time.
But Watkins double and a brilliant late fourth from John McGinn sealed the win for Unai Emerys side, who head into Wednesdays Europa League final against Freiburg in buoyant mood.
“We had to get over line,” McGinn told Sky Sports. It allows us to be excited and enjoy Wednesday properly.
“He (Watkins) was obviously disappointed in March (being left out of the England squad) but if it gave him a kick up the backside, he’s certainly responded in the best way.
“We’re so fortunate to have him, what he’s done for this club the past few seasons has been incredible. Hopefully he can carry that into next week.”
Villa head to Istanbul to meet Freiburg with one of their major goals this season already achieved, and the chance to lift silverware to cap their campaign.On the other hand, the manner of another dismal defeat raised fresh questions over Liverpool boss future.
But Arne Slot has remained confident he will be in charge next season despite a desperately disappointing title defence.
“It’s not about me, it’s about us being disappointed with the result. I spoke yesterday on it and that’s enough,” said Slot when asked again about the rising calls for him to be dismissed.
“Our focus is on the Brentford game and making sure we earn the support of the fans by starting the game aggressive and well.
“The culmination of the fan support and a good performance will lead us to what we want to achieve and that is qualifying for the Champions League.”
Villa scored four times on Friday but might have had several more goals as they cut apart Liverpool;s defence. Slot admits it is a major concern, and has been for some time.
“We have conceded a lot of goals this season, which you’d find hard to believe unless you live it and that’s what we did today. Villa were the better team and the game went away from us.
“It’s not about me or how frustrated I am, it’s frustrating for everyone involved, the players, staff and definitely fans. In football you can slip (Dominik Szoboszlai for Villas second goal), but it’s so unfortunate. We know what to do next week.”
Published in Dawn, May 17th, 2026