Aston Villa qualified for the Champions League in style after leapfrogging Liverpool with a stirring victory that exposed the blind spots that have undermined Arne Slot’s meek title defence. Ollie Watkins scored twice after Virgil van Dijk had cancelled out Morgan Rogers’ brilliant, curling opener before Villa’s captain, John McGinn, completed the rout from the edge of the box.
Liverpool have now conceded a league-high 20 goals from set pieces this season, Rogers benefiting from a well-worked corner routine in the first half and Watkins in the second. For Villa, whose league form had been indifferent since the turn of the year, a confidence-inducing victory before Wednesday’s Europa League final.
John McGinn’s reaction
It’s a great performance and a great way to end the season at Villa Park. How can you not [be full of confidence]? We’ve just made this club a Champions League club again, and it allows us to be excited and enjoy the game on Wednesday.
We’ve got a chance to get some silverware but the fact we’re in the Champions League is an unbelievable achievement.
We’re so fortunate to have him. What he’s done for this club is incredible.
[On the Europa League final] It’ll be the pinnacle of my Aston Villa career. Hopefully I’ll get my hands on that trophy. We need to play the game, not the occasion.
