Aston Villa's Scottish midfielder #07 John McGinn (R) is booked for this foul on Liverpool's Hungarian defender #06 Milos Kerkez (L) during the English Premier League football match between Aston Villa and Liverpool at Villa Park in Birmingham, central England on May 15, 2026. (Photo by Darren Staples / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. /
Aston Villa secured Champions League football with a 4-2 win over Liverpool on Friday that leaves the Reds still at risk of missing out on Europe’s elite competition next season.
Ollie Watkins struck twice as Villa boss Unai Emery was rewarded for naming a strong side just days before the Europa League final.
Liverpool slip to fifth and remain just four points ahead of Bournemouth, who have two games remaining.
Even if the Reds do limp over the line to Champions League qualification, the manner of another dismal defeat raised fresh questions over Arne Slot’s future.
