Aston Villa boosted their bid for Champions League qualification with a 2-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur at Villa Park on Friday, moving into fifth place in the Premier League table.
With the race for a top-five finish reaching its climax, Unai Emery’s side delivered under pressure thanks to second-half goals from Ezri Konsa and Boubacar Kamara, keeping their European dream alive heading into the final day of the season.
Despite the win, Villa’s fate remains partially out of their hands. Chelsea’s 1-0 win over Manchester United earlier on Friday keeps them in fourth, while Manchester City, sitting sixth and just one point behind Villa, still have a game in hand against Bournemouth on Tuesday. A City defeat would allow Villa to control their destiny.
Villa have now won five of their last six matches, and a victory at Manchester United on May 25, coupled with a City loss in one of their two remaining games, would see the Birmingham side seal a top-five finish and a potential Champions League berth.
“We won and we are on a run, but there’s still work to do,” said Emery.
“We have to be ready. We have a chance to play in the Champions League.
We were consistent and demanding, and when we scored the first goal, they gave up. We managed the 90 minutes well. We’re in a good moment.”
In stark contrast, Tottenham endured yet another disappointing outing, extending their winless league run to six games, including five defeats.
The London club now faces the grim prospect of their worst league finish since being relegated in 1976/77.
