Aston Villa sink Tottenham, continue Champions League dream
Aston Villa have just had a crucial win over Tottenham at Villa Park. With their sights set on a top-five finish and Champions League qualification, Unai Emery’s side could make no mistake – and they did not disappoint.
Second-half goals from Ezri Konsa and Boubacar Kamara kept Villa’s hopes alive. But fate is not yet in their hands. The Villa Park team needs Chelsea or Man City to stumble in their final two games, to decide the outcome when they face Man United on 25 May.
Villa will clearly need to win at Old Trafford if they are to qualify for Europe next season. It will be a tough task, but it is within their reach given their current form – they have won five of their last six games.
Tottenham goes downhill
On the other hand, Tottenham continue to sink deeper into crisis. Ange Postecoglou’s team has not won a single match in the last 6 rounds, losing 5. With 21 defeats this season, Spurs are in 17th place – and are in danger of being relegated if they do not change.
Tottenham were without Dejan Kulusevski, James Maddison and Lucas Bergvall due to injury. Coach Postecoglou also rested several key players such as Solanke, Romero and Bentancur, fearing further injuries. But the reserves were of no help – Tottenham still played badly and lost heartily.
Even if they beat Man United in the upcoming Europa League final, the possibility of the Australian coach being fired is still very high.
Pressure mounts, Villa still stand firm
Before the match, Villa fans brought a model of the C1 trophy they won in 1982. Those glorious memories are now rekindled, as they dream of returning to Europe’s biggest playground.
Son Heung-min returned to the starting line-up after injury, and almost scored early with his signature curling effort. But Villa hit back strongly after that. Morgan Rogers almost opened the scoring, while Marco Asensio curled a dangerous shot that left the Spurs goalkeeper looking on.
The first half passed in a nervous manner, but Villa did not panic. In the 59th minute, from McGinn’s corner, the ball was flicked by Ollie Watkins and Konsa quickly finished into the net.
Villa were in complete control of the game by this point. Watkins almost doubled the lead but Kinsky saved his shot. Kamara, though, did not miss his chance. In the 73rd minute, he received the ball from Rogers and unleashed a thunderous shot to seal a 2-0 victory.
Conclusion
Aston Villa showed that they deserve to be in the Champions League next season. Their play is clear, their spirit is good, and their ability to take advantage of opportunities is very sharp. In contrast, Tottenham is too tired and may have given up on the Premier League.
One side dreams of flying high, the other side struggles at the bottom of the table. The difference couldn’t be more obvious.