Watkins nets brace as Villa secure Champions League ticket
Aston Villa book their spot in the Champions League by beating reigning champions Liverpool 4-2 courtesy of a brilliant brace from Ollie Watkins.
Villa broke the deadlock and were bound for the UCL qualification from an effort from Morgan Rogers before half-time with an assist from John McGinn as the goal marked his tenth goal from the campaign.
After the break, the Reds responded with a goal from the captain, Virgil van Dijk, who converted a pinpoint delivery from Dominic Szoboszlai to equalise the game 1-1 at Villa Park.
The home side regained the lead after an error from Szoboszlai, who slipped as he attempted to control a throw-in, allowing Rogers to run in behind and square the ball to Watkins, who finished clinically.
In the 73rd minute, he doubled the lead with another goal from Ollie Watkins to increase the lead to 3-1 and minutes before the end of regular time Villa’s skipper McGinn picks up a set-up from a delivery from Watkins.
Van Dijk helped his side pull one back with a header which beats Emiliano Martinez off another pinpoint cross from Dominic Szoboszlai in added time.
The victory sends Villa to fourth place in the Premier League and secures their spot in next season’s Champions League campaign.
Villa prepare for the final stage of their season with the Europa League final tie with Freiburg in Istanbul next Wednesday.
The poor outing for Arne Slot’s side marks their 19th defeat in all competitions, their 12th defeat in the league this season and they conceded more than 50 goals in a 38 Premier League season.
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