BIRMINGHAM, England (AP) — Ollie Watkins scored twice and had another goal disallowed as Aston Villa cruised to a stylish 4-2 win at home to Liverpool on Friday, putting them on track for next week’s Europa League final.
The victory also guaranteed Villa a place in next year’s Champions League.
The win, five days before Villa face Freiburg in the Europa League final, ensured Unai Emery’s side a top-five finish in the Premier League.
Captain John McGinn told broadcaster Sky Sports: “It was a fantastic performance and a great way to end the season at Villa Park.”
“We have a chance to win a silver medal, but the fact that we are in the Champions League is an incredible achievement.”
Liverpool are in 5th place, with a 3-point difference, and will be competing for a spot in next year’s Champions League.
Liverpool had the advantage early on, with Kodi Gakpo’s goal ruled out for offside and Emiliano Martinez pushing away Dominik Szoboszlai’s deflected long-range shot.
However, Villa regained composure as the second half progressed and took the lead three minutes before half-time. Morgan Rogers took a well-taken corner kick before firing a perfect right-footed shot just beyond the reach of Giorgi Mamadashvili.
Liverpool equalized eight minutes into the second half with a header from Virgil van Dijk, but Villa began to take control once the game started.
Watkins had his goal ruled out for offside, but he took advantage of Szoboszlai’s slip and got it back just minutes later, setting Villa free.
In the 73rd, Mamadashvili added a third goal with a cross-footer from close range after making two excellent stops.
It was Watkins’ sixth goal in his last seven league games and he was a constant threat to Liverpool’s rearguard, who looked shaky whenever Villa charged forward.
Emiliano Buendia smashed a long-range shot onto the bar and Rio Ngumoja did the same for Liverpool at the other end. McGinn then added a fourth goal with two minutes remaining with a neat shot into the far corner.
Van Dijk’s header in stoppage time made it 4-2, but it was no consolation for a Liverpool team that looked tired and sluggish.
“We’ve conceded too many games and we haven’t scored enough goals,” Reds manager Arn Slott said, admitting his team lacked backbone after falling behind in the second half.
“After falling 2-1, we struggled. We ended up making it 4-2, so they didn’t give up, but we struggled to control their pace, intensity and quality.”
Liverpool’s last match of the season will be played at Brentford on May 24th, with Villa facing Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on the same day.
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