Aston Villa boosted their hopes of a Champions League return after a 2-0 victory over Tottenham, who had more than one eye on Wednesday’s Europa League final.
Villa’s memorable run to the quarter-finals of this season’s competition gave them the taste for more and they boosted their hopes with an eighth win from their last nine Premier League games.
This was probably the biggest home banker of the campaign given where Spurs’ focus lay, but Villa made hard work of it, needing second-half goals from Ezri Konsa and Boubacar Kamara to get the job done.
What a win for @AVFCOfficial as they continue their charge for a Champions League spot!#AVLTOT pic.twitter.com/7uqh1ccWoY
— Premier League (@premierleague) May 16, 2025
However, Chelsea’s win over Manchester United later on Friday night means they have to win their final game of the season at Old Trafford and hope other teams, including Enzo Maresca’s side and Manchester City, drop points.
Spurs could yet still be in the Champions League next season as well if they can end their trophy drought with Europa League victory over United and boss Ange Postecoglou did nothing to jeopardise that at Villa Park.
The embattled Australian made it clear where his focus was by naming a weakened side, which included a first Premier League start since 2022 for forgotten man Sergio Reguilon.
They never really looked like avoiding a 21st league defeat of a miserable league season, but all roads now lead to Bilbao where history could beckon.
Villa had an early flurry of chances as Ollie Watkins fired straight at Antonin Kinsky and John McGinn fizzed an effort just over.
But Spurs, and Son Heung-min in particular, showed – for a time at least – they were not here just to make the numbers up.
The South Korean is one of the players who is likely to play in Bilbao and he almost opened the scoring when he cut inside and whipped an effort just over the crossbar.
Son was again involved as Spurs went close once more, starting a move that saw Wilson Odobert cleverly flick Mathys Tel’s cross goalwards, but Emiliano Martinez was equal to it, saving with his feet.
FEELS GOOD 😌 pic.twitter.com/9gvSdIEOT9
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) May 16, 2025
It was Kinsky who was then forced into a smart save as he got finger tips to Amadou Onana’s cross that was sneaking into the far post.
Villa came forward with a wave of attacks, with Marco Asensio curling just wide from 20 yards and Konsa heading straight at Kinsky.
Frustrations were growing as the hosts floundered at the start of the second half but the tension was relieved as they finally made the breakthrough just before the hour.
Watkins rose highest from McGinn’s corner and his knockdown was swept home by Konsa.
It was almost 2-0 60 seconds later but Kinsky got down well to keep out Watkins’ effort.
Kamara did kill any jangling nerves in the 73rd minute when he unleashed a fierce low shot that was too hot to handle for Kinsky.
Villa saw it out to end their excellent home campaign with a record-extending 21st match unbeaten in all competitions, with goalkeeper Martinez, who has been linked with a move away, in tears at the end.
For Spurs, it is about going one more match this season without defeat.
Liverpool forward Diogo Jota has died in a tragic car accident in Spain along with his brother.Footballer involved in crash in SpainHis brother Andre also died in collisionLiverpool striker had got married two weeks earlierWHAT HAPPENED?According to Marca, Jota and his brother Andre, also a professional footballer, both died when the vehicle they were travelling in came off the road in the provinc...
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. Gyokeres & Sesko Do I join them? Chelsenal Dr. Tomiyasu & Dr. Diaby One of the best pictures at the Club World Cup 2025.. Joao Pedro is officially a Chelsea player. One club's trash is another club's treasurePlease stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will be more fun tomorrow!(Credit: Justtoonit, FootballLaughss, thefootballarenaa, BleacherReportFootball)...
As reported by The Independant, Lyon have set a price of at least £51.5m (€60m) for 20-year-old Malick Fofana who is being targeted by several Premier League sides who feel that the youngster can bolster their attack. Journalist Fabrizio Romano reported that Nottingham Forest had agree a deal with Lyon earlier this week but are yet to convince the player of a move due to interest from o...
The value of the upcoming third Manchester United bid for Bryan Mbeumo has been revealed, and the club are optimistic the improved terms they'll put forward will satisfy Brentford, according to reports.Man Utd are desperate to sign Mbeumo in time for the start of pre-season training on July 7. That is just a few days away and the Red Devils will have no issues finalising personal terms with the le...
Liverpool are reportedly interested in signing wantaway RB Leipzig defender Castello Lukeba - but will likely have to tussle for him.The Reds are ramping up their search for a centre-back after selling Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen for £35million.Lukeba, 22, has established a strong reputation over the past few seasons at Lyon and Leipzig and earned himself a senior France cap. But the 6...
Atletico prepare a major bid for Spurs' RomeroAtletico Madrid are planning a formal offer for Tottenham Hotspur centre-back Cristian Romero, according to AS. The Spanish club is expected to table a proposal worth €55 million upfront, with an additional €15 million tied to performance-based clauses.Diego Simeone is reportedly eager to bring the Argentina international to the Wanda Metro...
Barcelona make Marc Casado transfer decision amid Chelsea interestBarcelona have reportedly set their asking price for midfielder Marc Casado as Premier League side Chelsea and La Liga rivals Atletico Madrid circle.The 21-year-old could be set to leave Barcelona this summer as they seek to ease their ongoing issues with FFP and offer Nico Williams guarantees he could be registered.According to Spa...
FBL-GER-BUNDESLIGA-LEVERKUSEN-TEN HAGBayer Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes wants to use funds from Florian Wirtz’s mega sale to create a title-winning team.WHAT HAPPENED?Leverkusen want to use the £116 million ($158m) generated from Wirtz’s transfer to Liverpool to fund potential player recruitment and build a side that would fight for major accolades and challenge Bunde...
Athletic Club v Real Valladolid CF - La Liga EA SportsBayern Munich are looking to pounce on the opportunity to lure Nico Williams to Bundesliga, amid lack of registration guarantees from Barcelona.WHAT HAPPENED?According to Sky Sports of Germany, Bayern Munich are intensifying their pursuit of Nico Williams, aiming to capitalise on the winger’s hesitation over a move to Barcelona. The Bavar...
It's semifinal time in the Concacaf Gold Cup for the host country!Enjoy the play-by-play from Wednesday's game: United States versus Guatemala at Energizer Park in St. Louis.Jump to: Gold Cup home page | Liveblog...
- 1 Liverpool willing to make swap proposal to Palace for Guehi
- 2 Raphinha happy to see Barcelona miss out on FIFA Club World Cup
- 3 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 4 Mystery blonde who had night out with Kieran Trippier
- 5 Chelsea transfer at 'final stages'
- 6 Club World Cup 2025: Benfica v Chelsea predictions, best bets and odds
- 7 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 8 Sporting CP president Varandas: Gyokeres knows price he can leave for
- 9 Arsenal interested in signing Cristhian Mosquera
- 10 Frustrated Arsenal turn to Eintracht Frankfurt striker Ekitike