Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine
Heroes & Villains => Match Threads & Player Ratings => Topic started by: PeterWithesShin on May 15, 2026, 09:59:27 PM
-
Never in doubt.
Another CL season.
-
Lovely stuff.
-
Yessssss! Rog and Ollie were so good tonight.
-
Yessssss! Rog and Ollie were so good tonight.
Tuchel there tonight?
-
Outstanding performance.
-
Thought the last 2 fixys of the season would be where it goes tits up....such a dick.
-
Come on then, own up you yellow bellied bastards, who wanted us to put out the second string?
What you saw tonight was what big clubs do.
-
Not a great performance. They happen.
Should have had a pen.
Oh well.
Bournemouth aren't catching us and we'll be in the CL next season.
Villa 8)
Bournemouth aren't the only risk. If Brighton beat Leeds and an on-the-beach Man Utd at home on the last day, we need something from Liverpool or Man City.
On current form, we're not getting anything from either of those games, so we're relying Man City to beat Bournemouth, and Leeds or Man Utd to get something from Brighton.
If we end up needing anything, which I don't think we will, we're good enough to get it.
That's it. Not arguing any more over it.
Chill 8)
And some of you were having meltdowns and describing Burnley as a 'massive' game 😂
Villa 8)
-
Get in!
They're a poor Liverpool side, but beating them is always a great scalp.
-
Lose to Burnley beat Liverpool. So Villa!
-
love these boys
-
Been at work so didnt get to see it. Phenomenal stuff. Delighted. Imagine possibly qualifying for the Champs League twice.in one season.
-
Takes some of the pressure off for Wednesday and next Sunday which means they just have to play similar to Forest and today but not with todays defending.
-
A brilliant send off for next week. Just a superb all round team display. Shame about the last goal for them but it doesn’t matter. Job pretty much done now for CL and what we hope is the platform for some silverware on Wednesday. Ollie, SJM both outstanding.
-
Just brilliant tonight!
-
Yeeeeessss.
-
Lose to Burnley beat Liverpool. So Villa!
Only one of those things happened
-
Lose to Burnley beat Liverpool. So Villa!
We didn't lose to Burnley.
-
Roll on the Final!
Re-finding the big-game mentality at the right time.
-
Brilliant.
Konsa and Pau cool as cool things
Youri nearly back
Barkley superb.
Rogers and Buendia very good.
Ollie immense.
-
Up the fucking Villa!!!
This is exactly what the doctor ordered. Expend every last drop of energy on Wednesday, play the kids vs City.
And it's soooo, soooo good to put Liverpool to the sword. About bloody time.
-
GTFI!!! Fanfcukintastic!!!
Champions League here we come…now go and win the Europa League first!!! 🥳🥳🥳
-
Players and manager. Thank you again!
-
What a win
-
Lose to Burnley beat Liverpool. So Villa!
We didn’t lose to Burnley even if it might have felt like it dropping two points.
-
What a performance.
As a support some of us really need to adjust our mentality to where we are now!
-
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HIY46UiWwAAlRNp?format=jpg&name=small)
-
Magfuckingnificent.
-
You could't ask anymore, proper job, well done Unai well done the lads, relax and we can get over the top excited about Wednesday knowing the Champs league next season is solid.
Well done the lads.
-
Lose to Burnley beat Liverpool. So Villa!
We drew!
-
Lose to Burnley beat Liverpool. So Villa!
Only one of those things happened
Oops my bad
-
Outstanding
-
Lovely stuff. Up for that, wasn’t we?
-
Also think about the money this will earn.
-
Players and manager. Thank you again!
Yep - Their Night.
Wonderful. Let's get the 65 points now
-
Ok you pedantic fuckers. DRAW to Burnley beat Liverpool. So Villa!
😆
-
Never in fucking doubt! Fuck Liverpool fuck sky fuck var fuck the lot of them!!!
-
That really takes the pressure off the team before Wednesday. Brilliant second half performance.
Absolutely desperate to see meatball lift that trophy on Wednesday, he bloody deserves it.
-
Come on then, own up you yellow bellied bastards, who wanted us to put out the second string?
What you saw tonight was what big clubs do.
Birmingham do it?
-
Brilliant 2nd half, could and probably should’ve scored more.
Every time we went into a tackle I followed the player afterwards to check he wasn’t limping.
Sets us up perfectly for Weds. UTV!
-
What a win, absolutely brilliant. VAR tried to find whatever it could to help them.
-
Lose to Burnley beat Liverpool. So Villa!
We drew!
Exactly my point above
-
(https://scontent-lhr6-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/700070234_1364550369101323_6919532497740821396_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s590x590_tt6&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=833d8c&_nc_ohc=hvHFe5I5AycQ7kNvwGtXo77&_nc_oc=AdoF-u4F4XFMautdGqcxbsoLnRbznkI7-IzEEBaAZ241dp8Xcf3KfY4HDzwb_z5bt70&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-lhr6-2.xx&_nc_gid=koi2sHVA-i7BWAn-ML5dbg&_nc_ss=7b2a8&oh=00_Af4TXjET-iTMOdNWiln2Yu9icUxVE-6p4wXV6jVLYDvRJA&oe=6A0D72A1)
(https://scontent-lhr6-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/699330854_1364550365767990_3528558938962237652_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s590x590_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=833d8c&_nc_ohc=EArInAH6W6sQ7kNvwHNIkgg&_nc_oc=AdpS0Eg-SEMvdEUCJa0MHcO5LAuTxH2Mykr6atY-DNq-xRGZ0GTjn76BXx7lso2-HYo&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-lhr6-1.xx&_nc_gid=JZJg2L-v8Kjo8QkVzsJK0g&_nc_ss=7b2a8&oh=00_Af5kbZqjHadmLmfLeaxEGZEidx3tMWKfvzKV4FXdcQ5DWg&oe=6A0D52F3)
-
Jimmy Tarbuck, Cilla Black, Stevie G , Sporty Spice, your boys took one hell of a beating.
-
2nd half in particular was excellent and responded well to the equaliser. Slot was crazy with his subs leaving so much space and we should have had a few more.
Watkins was brilliant. You can take the chances he misses when he puts in an all round display such as that.
-
Brilliant, well done Unai and the players. Ollie was brilliant, as were the whole team. Magnificent end to the home season.
Love beating Liverpool.
-
Right I making sure I am attending every champion league home game
-
You can never tire of beating Liverpool but I'm willing to give it a go.
-
Qualified for the CL with a game to spare and heading for a European final next week.
What a time to be alive.
Emery's a genius.
-
Get in!
They're a poor Liverpool side, but beating them is always a great scalp.
Didn't just beat them annihilated them in the second half. Some exceptional individual performances, Ollie destroyed them. Digne, Buendia, Rogers all superb too.
Martinez 8, Cash 6, Konsa 8, Torres 7, Digne 8, Lindelof 4 (Barkley 7), Tielemans 7, Buendia 9, McGinn 8, Rogers 9, Watkins 9
Small bit worried about our midfield ahead of Wednesday, mind.
-
Come on then, own up you yellow bellied bastards, who wanted us to put out the second string?
What you saw tonight was what big clubs do.
South Birmingham do it?
FTFY. The bottlers.😉
-
That really takes the pressure off the team before Wednesday. Brilliant second half performance.
Brilliant result, love beating Liverpool, but easing the pressure on Wednesday night by clinching CL is a big bonus,
-
Ken Dodd, the Diddymen and The Liver Birds. Your boys took a hell of a beating!
-
Lap of honour being broadcast...
https://x.com/i/broadcasts/1RKZzjldAVvKB
-
Hopefully we can now keep Rogers and add some genuine quality to the squad.
Tickets for the CL games will be like gold dust with only 3 stands available, but the revenue could mean a new Witton Stand.
What a journey Emery is taking us on.
-
Emery is in statue territory.
-
Come on then, own up you yellow bellied bastards, who wanted us to put out the second string?
What you saw tonight was what big clubs do.
South Birmingham do it?
FTFY. The bottlers.😉
Haven't a clue how that "South" got in
-
What a weight off our shoulders. Magnificent 2nd half.
-
And Emery never made the manger of the year shortlist.
What he's done with this squad is an absolute miracle. No pressure on Wed, go out and play as we know we can.
-
Second half we were epic, could've been another 7-2.
One game away from our best season in my life time!
-
Come on then, own up you yellow bellied bastards, who wanted us to put out the second string?
What you saw tonight was what big clubs do.
South Birmingham do it?
FTFY. The bottlers.😉
Haven't a clue how that "South" got in
Villa are bigger than the other lot in South Birmingham. It’s just that they’re none existent in the north.
-
Fuck the chimney wankers, they aren't worth a mention in this thread.
-
Come on then, own up you yellow bellied bastards, who wanted us to put out the second string?
What you saw tonight was what big clubs do.
South Birmingham do it?
FTFY. The bottlers.😉
Haven't a clue how that "South" got in
Villa are bigger than the other lot in South Birmingham. It’s just that they’re none existent in the north.
Most of South are Villa fans nowadays.
-
Absolutely brilliant 2nd half, it could easily have veen another 7-2!
-
Fuck the chimney wankers, they aren't worth a mention in this thread.
Agreed.
-
Do you get the impression that Unai had this planned all along?
-
A Conference League Semi Final
Champions League Qualification
FA Cup Semi Final
Europa League Final
Champions League Qualification
...beginning to unlodge the big 6
...not doing too bad so far the boy Emery
-
Absolutely brilliant 2nd half, it could easily have veen another 7-2!
Yeah absolutely agree, hard hard season lows and highs, still a final to come, Villa are now established in the Euro established elite, top side.
Unai addressing the crowd what a determined bloke, in fact they should call him the Terminator, he will get you in the end.
fantastic and more to come.
-
Champions league baby!!!
What a magnificent result. I think thats been our best 2nd half performance all season in the league.
Now lets go win that trophy!!!
-
Champions league baby!!!
What a magnificent result. I think thats been our best 2nd half performance all season in the league.
Now lets go win that trophy!!!
Brilliant.
-
Do you get the impression that Unai had this planned all along?
Don't even go there. Everything we collectively know about football would just go straight out the window.
To answer your question: possibly.
-
Once the game opened up they couldn't compete with us, they didn't deserve their second as We were well on top and could have had more. Special mention for Ollie, some, me included were thinking he had run his race but the last few weeks he has been brilliant, seems he is over his problems. Now the fun begins, bring home the cup next week, beat City on their patch and then start speculating on who will be coming in next season, it never stops does it.
-
Emery needs a new contract we need to keep him here as long as possible
He is literally the god of management
-
Do you get the impression that Unai had this planned all along?
Don't even go there. Everything we collectively know about football would just go straight out the window.
To answer your question: possibly.
With Unai anything is possible, did you see him talking about the final.....wow!!!!! this is going to be some game, Unai is up for this big time.
-
Stated on here Unai lost me after the Spurs debacle. What an absolute dickhead I've become in my old age. Get the status's foundations dug now. Oh, and John McGinn, fuck me what a player.
-
And when things aren’t so good, we just need to run with it. He is so good for us. Just be thankful.
-
Just brilliant.
-
Emery needs a new contract we need to keep him here as long as possible
He is literally the god of management
tell you what, in all seriousness, Unai will get some magnificent approaches this summer, from the best of the best, we need to offer him the world, a stake in the club you name it, he should get it.
-
Great game, now a chance to rest before next Wednesday. Good goals, no poor performances, fully deserved win.
-
Stated on here Unai lost me after the Spurs debacle. What an absolute dickhead I've become in my old age. Get the status's foundations dug now.
Same here, although not sure if I would have preffered to fuck over Spurs 4-2 if we had to do one of them or Liverpool.
-
What an amazing achievement.
We've a core of players and a world class manager who over the past 3.5 half years achieved things that no one (apart from unai) would have thougt possible.
One more win on Wednesday and this squad go down in the history books.
Ollie, Emi, McGinn, Konsa, Cash, Youri, Rogers, Digne, Beudina, Pau, Mings, Kamra - If the next week goes well they will never need to buy a pint again in their life and rightly so.
And Unai - how blessed we are to have him and long may it continue. He's playing all this on hard mode and making it look easy!
The last 2 home games have been an absolute masterclasses - now the same on wednesday please
-
Stated on here Unai lost me after the Spurs debacle. What an absolute dickhead I've become in my old age. Get the status's foundations dug now. Oh, and John McGinn, fuck me what a player.
John McGinn, when I played he would have been touted as a soldier, solid, resolute, only knows one way, like Dalglish, type of player you treasure, they don't come around that often.
-
Best manager in my lifetime by a mile, Imagine how good we'd be if we could sort our recent recruitment out properly for him.
-
Fuck the chimney wankers, they aren't worth a mention in this thread.
Agreed.
Completely agree, don’t punch down.
-
A Conference League Semi Final
Champions League Qualification
FA Cup Semi Final
Europa League Final
Champions League Qualification
...beginning to unlodge the big 6
...not doing too bad so far the boy Emery
He'll get found out soon.
Its unsustainable.
Arsenal fans have tried to tell us.
Any season now.
Honest.
-
Best manager in my lifetime by a mile, Imagine how good we'd be if we could sort our recent recruitment out properly for him.
I can only agree with this, 100% correct, that said he has had to cope with this PSR shit, we all know it is shit, he's done it, but now we are CL again lets back Unai.
-
I did say last week that I had a feeling that we'd draw against Burnley and beat Liverpool.
You're welcome!
-
Absolutely brilliant! Well done to all in the stands and at the club!!
-
Do you get the impression that Unai had this planned all along?
Don't even go there. Everything we collectively know about football would just go straight out the window.
To answer your question: possibly.
With Unai anything is possible, did you see him talking about the final.....wow!!!!! this is going to be some game, Unai is up for this big time.
Just seen it. He scared me the other day, laughing like a mad man, so happy after a draw at Burnley, so proud of his team. Tonight he was post match the most I've ever seen him so relaxed.
-
Considering our start, losing the midfield for a quarter of the season and the overall financial position we find ourselves in what a quite extraordinary season.
-
Come on then, own up you yellow bellied bastards, who wanted us to put out the second string?
What you saw tonight was what big clubs do.
South Birmingham do it?
FTFY. The bottlers.😉
Haven't a clue how that "South" got in
Villa are bigger than the other lot in South Birmingham. It’s just that they’re none existent in the north.
Most of South are Villa fans nowadays.
👍
-
Slot’s gone over the edge:
“We've definitely conceded far too many goals. We also haven't scored enough goals, although two at Villa Park is not bad. If you told me we did that before the game, I would think we are not far from a good result."
-
What a second half performance. First half was fine - but second half we could have easily scored more.
We ripped them apart. The last 2 second halfs at Villa Park have been other-worldly - just relentless and bags of quality.
Maybe, just maybe, all this slow passing it around and the back means we have an extra now.
-
Qualifying for the CL will allow the club to bring in some proper talent and allow us to start the very real project of moving on from some of the stalwarts. Unai has squeezed every drop from this group.
-
I've given up trying to understand us. We just don't make sense, and that's how it is.
-
Qualifying for the CL will allow the club to bring in some proper talent and allow us to start the very real project of moving on from some of the stalwarts. Unai has squeezed every drop from this group.
Spot on
-
-
Best manager in my lifetime by a mile, Imagine how good we'd be if we could sort our recent recruitment out properly for him.
I think Emery has a strong say in recruitment!
He continues to get a tune out of Dean Smiths players, that's his greatest attribute.
-
What a result tonight, the match and the season, with CL lined up and the Europa Cup Final on Wednesday.
Unai is a genius, and the players have worked so hard to achieve this.
I’m so impressed with the club!
-
Now let's line up some proper signings who will actually contribute next season, and really establish ourselves.
-
Well that was ratherrrrr nice.
-
Off you fuck Slott , I’m sure you’ll miss the fireworks.
-
That was nice and I was absolutely this calm during the game
-
I love you all - including Smirker
-
Just catching up on the BBC Highlights. So Van Djik can just push a player running through on goal and nothing is given. I know they state "force of the push" but it was so blatant he wasn't even trying for the ball right in front of the ref.
We apparently almost had out first league penalty of the season but it was luckily over-rode by our 3rd goal anyway. Glad the ref didn't blow before the ball went into the net as I'm not sure it wouldn't have been VAR'd out.
-
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HIZQK8rWEAAEOGJ?format=jpg&name=large)
-
BRASSNECK!
-
Look at that mad bastard Martinez!
-
Really good tonight, second half especially. Shame VAR tried to ruin it mind.
-
How good was that?
-
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HIZQK8rWEAAEOGJ?format=jpg&name=large)
Is that Nas in the middle - seems less refined and with more hair than other shots ive seen!
-
-
Correct me if I am wrong but is that we have scored 4 goals 4 times in last 6 games?
-
Correct me if I am wrong but is that we have scored 4 goals 4 times in last 6 games?
Yep
-
Correct me if I am wrong but is that we have scored 4 goals 4 times in last 6 games?
No. 8 games.
-
Have you noticed how we always put four past Liverpool in the last home match of the season before major Villa Park construction in advance of international tournaments?
p.s. the commentator I had to listen to was selling off our best players. I wish they’d stop with that bullshit.
-
Tried to watch it but gave up after the first three as couldn't understand their incredibly thick Scouse accents.
-
Top night all round
when we were 4-1 up anyone else wishing for it to end 5-1 for old times sake
-
That's had me gaffawing in places.
"We don't close them down, we just wave at them."
"We're making John McGinn look like Gareth Bale." (Cheeky bastard, McGinn's better than Bale)
-
After that I have just been thinking of Dean Smith showing his index finger to the away end at The Hawthorns and saying 'one more'.
-
Sitting in the Holte End waiting for the players to come out after the match had ended, it hit me that these really are special times. Just comprehensively beaten 4th placed Liverpool to confirm a Champions League spot, with a European final on the horizon next week.
-
Tried to watch it but gave up after the first three as couldn't understand their incredibly thick Scouse accents.
I spoke to two Scousers before the match*.
*There could be a namedrop alert here if you insist.
-
A Conference League Semi Final
Champions League Qualification
FA Cup Semi Final
Europa League Final
Champions League Qualification
...beginning to unlodge the big 6
...not doing too bad so far the boy Emery
Do you think it will ever be reported that way??
He has not even made the Manager of the years shortlist. Some really bitter fuckers in the mainstream media.
-
Do they have League and European Cup winners medals?
-
Tried to watch it but gave up after the first three as couldn't understand their incredibly thick Scouse accents.
I spoke to two Scousers before the match*.
*There could be a namedrop alert here if you insist.
I'm guessing Tony Morley for one.
-
Liverpool supporters.
-
Ken Dodd, the Diddymen and The Liver Birds. Your boys took a hell of a beating!
John Barnes, Sonia, Mersey, The Bealtes
-
Peter Withe was in the Witton Arms before
The game
-
“Villa were just too good for Liverpool”
Not many times I’ve heard that in my lifetime.
Supreme performance, especially with Wednesday on the horizon. Given every obstacle in our way, Champions League qualification again is an incredible achievement.
Now, just one more.
-
The Irish guy in that Liverpool video is hilarious
-
Dara O'Briain's little brother? Hammed up the diddly-aye. 4/10.
-
I think it's the first time we have beaten Man U, Liverpool and Arsenal in the league in the same season since 1977/78.
-
Incredible result. Much more confident we will win the next one now.
-
Unai finally gets a win over Liverpool. Never managed it with Arsenal.
Liverpool did go a bit Blues against Barnsley in the Playoffs, after we went 2-1 ahead. Seemed to have no one back defending.
Lovely to see so many of our players firing on all cylinders again, in time for Wednesday.
-
I think it's the first time we have beaten Man U, Liverpool and Arsenal in the league in the same season since 1977/78.
1992/93
-
Best manager in my lifetime by a mile, Imagine how good we'd be if we could sort our recent recruitment out properly for him.
I think Emery has a strong say in recruitment!
He continues to get a tune out of Dean Smiths players, that's his greatest attribute.
[/quote
Also a compliment to the players Smith bought into the club as well
-
Brilliant, just brilliant.
-
Lap of honour being broadcast...
https://x.com/i/broadcasts/1RKZzjldAVvKB
Love the way McInally talks about us and we
-
Delighted with that result and the qualification for the CL. it also gives me family bragging rights over my one-eyed red scouse brother in law, the glory hunting, sulking this morning twat.
-
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HIZQK8rWEAAEOGJ?format=jpg&name=large)
Elisa the nutritionist is missing from that picture, maybe she wasn't allowed in the men's changing room :)
Anyway, feeling slightly fuzzy this morning - but how good was that yesterday, and how good are we when we're on it? What a performance.
-
Huge 2nd half performance. Watkins absolutely murdered them. It should have been 7 again. McGinn, fantastic too.
Liverpool are an hilarious shadow of themselves.
Great feeling of calm now and just mega focused excitement for Wednesday. Destiny awaits.
-
Watkins almost unplayable, SJM amazing, Rogers goal, Uni looking better every game, Digne , Pau, Konsa Lindy all solid, Buendia buzzing about.
They should have done a lot more with the opportunities Rio created, he roasted Cash all night, but that was all they had in an attacking sense, except Dick Van Hire at corners..
Reminded why I hate the cheating cynical ref loved twats..
-
This is how we would like to see Villa perform in every game but most of us know you can’t play with that intensity over a full season and compete in Europe consistently playing in this way. Now that the job is done Emery has let the players loose to do their thing. I think we’ll batter Freiburg on Wednesday.
Emery is a genius.
-
This is how we would like to see Villa perform in every game but most of us know you can’t play with that intensity over a full season and compete in Europe consistently playing in this way. Now that the job is done Emery has let the players loose to do their thing. I think we’ll batter Freiburg on Wednesday.
Emery is a genius.
Well said Bren.
We just murdered them second half. Their antics made us even more determined.
I just hope the leash is taken off on Wednesday and we play like this from the start.
Enjoy every minute everyone going.
-
I did not realise what a tosser, you will never wank alone, Calamity James is until I listened to the studio build up and after the match analysis
Pre game 90%, wailing about plop position
After game, Allyson would have saved the 1st one, Slaphead is wrong, they did not crumble.
Backed up by Whinney Carey
What happened to balanced reporting ?
-
Think Watkins now has 19 goals in all competitions this Season.
-
Pretty much a perfect performance and definitely a perfect result.
That has lifted so much pressure off next week.
Well done Unai and the boys !!!
-
I did not realise what a tosser, you will never wank alone, Calamity James is until I listened to the studio build up and after the match analysis
Pre game 90%, wailing about Liverpool position
After game, Allyson would have saved the 1st one, Slaphead is wrong, they did not crumble.
Backed up by Whinney Carey
What happened to balanced reporting ?
Fuck all of that, what matters is Villa 4 Bleeding hearts 2.
-
Pretty much a perfect performance and definitely a perfect result.
That has lifted so much pressure off next week.
Well done Unai and the boys !!!
For me this seals it. If andyh is satisfied it must have been perfect plus :)
-
Think Watkins now has 19 goals in all competitions this Season.
I'll settle for 22 before season is out
-
I think it's the first time we have beaten Man U, Liverpool and Arsenal in the league in the same season since 1977/78.
1992/93
I knew I would fuck it up.
-
I did not realise what a tosser, you will never wank alone, Calamity James is until I listened to the studio build up and after the match analysis
Pre game 90%, wailing about Liverpool position
After game, Allyson would have saved the 1st one, Slaphead is wrong, they did not crumble.
Backed up by Whinney Carey
What happened to balanced reporting ?
Was at the game, so thankfully spared listening ti him. Makes beating them even sweeter when he is on.co-commentary though. All that was missing was Graeme Souness in the studio blaming the length of the grass.
-
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HIZQK8rWEAAEOGJ?format=jpg&name=large)
Presumably, Elliott wasn't available having gone to the Away Dressing Room ...
-
No Onana
-
No Onana
Onana was celebrating on the pitch after the match. I was worried we haven't seen Kamara at all and there's been no news.
-
I deliberately avoided tuning in last night. Was totally convinced we'd get a thumping after putting all our eggs in the Europa basket, and didn't sneak a look until we'd just gone 2-1 up.
Well done the Villa. Please keep confounding expectations.
-
Get in!
They're a poor Liverpool side, but beating them is always a great scalp.
Fuck that shit. They are still the current PL champions and we dominated them for large parts of the game. Let's just enjoy it eh?
-
At kick-off they were fourth. That's not poor.
-
It isn't.
Though when I saw their line-up, I did wonder if Slot was that bothered about the game - it was definitely weak. Didn't realise they have so many injuries (unlike last year, when they were very fortunate on that front).
-
Indeed, like all the CL-chasers from 3rd downwards they've been chronically unreliable. But they're still, as things stand, the fifth-best team in the league. Which is not bad.
-
Cash's feebleness for their first goal was embarassing. A little push and he falls to the floor. Come on Matty, fight fire with Polish fire you soft tart.
And Konsa remonstrating with the ref for his penalty instead of celebrating the goal with his teammates was ego-led.
Aside from that, it were pretty great all-round. I'm just sick of starting John McGinn's song in Brighton boozers and no one joining in. I thought he was everyone's second favourite player :(
-
Brilliant, just brilliant. Hate Liverpool to my core, so to give them a right seeing to and qualify for next season's Champions League in the process fills my heart with immense joy.
Also, just to note that was my first ever time setting up a prematch thread - Currently 1 for 1, all the more sweeter because of the opponents!
Next stop Istanbul - COME ON YOU VILLA BOYS! UTV
-
It feels so great
4 seasons straight european football has been delivered by unai emery
He literally is the best thing that happened to us
-
Let's not forget Dean Smith in all this. Always remember the foundations he built.
-
Cash's feebleness for their first goal was embarassing. A little push and he falls to the floor. Come on Matty, fight fire with Polish fire you soft tart.
You often get these given as ref's are more prepared to blow for soft fouls against defenders.
And Konsa remonstrating with the ref for his penalty instead of celebrating the goal with his teammates was ego-led.
It's a way of putting pressure on ref for the rest of the game. He was right to do so and by the way being a regular England international he is entitled as well. ;)
-
I think with Scotland having McGinn they must be favourites for winning the World Cup now
-
Did anyone else think the ref was crap? The foul on Ollie in the second half which he waved away was ridiculous.
-
Did anyone else think the ref was crap? The foul on Ollie in the second half which he waved away was ridiculous.
Yep atrocious
-
Cash's feebleness for their first goal was embarassing. A little push and he falls to the floor. Come on Matty, fight fire with Polish fire you soft tart.
You often get these given as ref's are more prepared to blow for soft fouls against defenders.
And Konsa remonstrating with the ref for his penalty instead of celebrating the goal with his teammates was ego-led.
It's a way of putting pressure on ref for the rest of the game. He was right to do so and by the way being a regular England international he is entitled as well. ;)
Konsa was also pissed off that the scrote had just tried to get him sent off, so I'm happy with Konsa telling the ref to do something about him.
-
Cash's feebleness for their first goal was embarassing. A little push and he falls to the floor. Come on Matty, fight fire with Polish fire you soft tart.
And Konsa remonstrating with the ref for his penalty instead of celebrating the goal with his teammates was ego-led.
Aside from that, it were pretty great all-round. I'm just sick of starting John McGinn's song in Brighton boozers and no one joining in. I thought he was everyone's second favourite player :(
A deflated Luiz barely raising a gallop to stop VVD for the second not great either.
-
That’s a great photo - the guy that replaced Monchi looks like the Apple CEO
-
Did anyone else think the ref was crap? The foul on Ollie in the second half which he waved away was ridiculous.
Was that the push when he was about to shoot ?
-
It was ridiculous that he didn't book Flobalob in the first half, but didn't really notice him in the second.
-
Was that the first time we’ve won on a Friday night
-
Was that the first time we’ve won on a Friday night
Nah, we beat Everton when we first came back up.
-
Was that the first time we’ve won on a Friday night
Nah, we beat Everton when we first came back up.
When Jota briefly looked like a world beater, before Danny Drinkwater got to him.
-
Did anyone else think the ref was crap? The foul on Ollie in the second half which he waved away was ridiculous.
Was that the push when he was about to shoot ?
No, the one where he was running onto a through ball and someone sent him flying and the ref couldn't wave it away quick enough. It was a bit like the foul the Bayern defender made on him twice.
-
The referee was atrocious, the level just gets worse but we won in spite of him with a brilliant performance especially in the second half.
-
Was that the first time we’ve won on a Friday night
Nah, we beat Everton when we first came back up.
Three wins out of three last season. One win and one defeat this term.
-
Aston Villa qualifying for the Champions League again is a new high under Emery… so far
Jacob Tanswell
May 16, 2026
The Champions League anthem echoed gloriously around Villa Park.
The final word — “champion” — was stretched out and sung in unison by every home supporter.
Aston Villa, a triumph of consistency and endurance, had secured qualification for Europe’s premier competition for the second time in three seasons, having painfully missed out on goal difference last year.
Players bathed in the accomplishment during a lap of appreciation. Unai Emery, who, so usually focused on the next game and invariably heads straight for the tunnel, allowed himself to enjoy. He marched towards the Holte End, taking in all the adoration from the fans who worship him.
“We are going to play for you, for a trophy,” Emery said.
Peering into the crowd, he finished with a flourish, bellowing into the microphone, “UP THE VILLA!”
Once they returned to the dressing room, the team posed for a photo, with coaches, backroom staff and co-owner, Nassef Sawiris.
Friday’s 4-2 victory also meant he had finally beaten Liverpool as Villa manager. In doing so, he had gone through all of the Premier League’s ‘big six’, even if his team now have a strong argument to be firmly ensconced among them. It just so happened to be his 600th win as a manager; it is astounding that Emery was not considered one of the six nominees for Premier League manager of the year.
This was the perfect send-off for Istanbul, where Villa face Freiburg in the Europa League final on Wednesday. Home supporters were singing about Istanbul in the final throes, knowing that the opportunity of silverware — a first major trophy in three decades and a first European final in 44 years — will never be greater in this era of brilliance.
Villa staff enjoyed a five per cent pay rise after qualifying for the Champions League in the 2023-24 campaign and a further three per cent for a Europa League finish last season. This Villa side has elevated a club beyond its expected growth, founded on mental toughness and a combination of excellence within the coaching and core group of players.
“To keep this level… ‘wow’,” said Emery in his press conference, appearing more relieved and delighted than ever before.
“We’ve been through thick and thin together,” said Watkins. “There is an English core which has been here since day one. The team is pretty much the same since Dean Smith was here. We’ve been through highs and lows together.”
Together, the latest achievement — until Wednesday at least — is definitely the best of Emery’s Villa. Very few thought a top-five finish was feasible after a turbulent summer, no goal in the first four games, and no win in the first five.
“Injuries, no a f…penalty for us in one year, biggest investment in the history for the bigger budget clubs, playing Thursday and Sunday 2 pm… well CHAMPIONS LEAGUE!!!” said director of football operations, Damian Vidagany, on X. “No excuses culture, a great group of committed players and the best manager (yes EPL the best manager). UTV. Next stop Istanbul!!!! See you there lads!!!! One more push, more desire and ambition than ever!!!”
Villa sources stated at the start of the season that Morgan Rogers and Watkins would have a heavy burden on them to provide the goals.
With both hitting double figures, they have produced under pressure. Emery had been demanding more goals from other areas and better incision inside the box, yet it was startling that Villa managed to record 11 straight wins across all competitions over the winter, with Watkins, their long-running talisman, scoring just two league goals by December. He has since come back with vengeance, hitting 11 in his previous 14 appearances.
In many ways, Villa’s response to Virgil van Dijk’s second-half equaliser is what, fundamentally, explains their success. Their resilience and ability to recover from setbacks have defined Villa’s campaign.
Speak to those around the team and they will admit there is, at this stage of the campaign, fatigue among the players. Perhaps some even had one eye on ensuring they did not pick up an injury ahead of the final. Yet, when they needed to mobilise and fight back after Van Dijk scored, players found the energy and ripped Liverpool apart through pace, directness, and ruthlessness in transition.
It has been a wildly fluctuating season, fraught with emotion. After a terrible start, from October to the end of January, Villa won more games than any other Premier League side (13). At the opposite end of the scale and before Liverpool’s visit, only four sides had accrued fewer points than Villa (13) since the start of February.
“The season we started poorly,” Emery said. “We were fantastic for three months, then again we were down, not feeling comfortable or confident, but the consistency and the demands always were high, and we never gave up.”
Villa are still relatively new to the Champions League party, though their participation is vital to keep fuel in the tank. Financial restrictions are still expected to be a challenge this summer, limiting Villa’s ability to spend and increasing their openness to sell. They will have more room for manoeuvre with Champions League revenues, with Villa’s commercial income, particularly potential sponsorship deals, significantly aided.
Emery’s team, so far, has shown a way to battle against such limitations. Financial sanctions were viewed as stifling progress last summer, and led to an increasingly stagnant mood setting in. This was an ageing squad, with many uncertain futures. It is hard to remember now or to mock, but there was a feeling that direct rivals — such as Newcastle United — had strengthened and were stretching beyond them. Sporting director Monchi left, owing to developing tensions with Emery.
This seeped onto the pitch. Villa were running less and sprinting less. Noises from the dressing room suggested players were behind the manager, but there was a crisis of confidence, and no one could put a finger on the main issue.
Emery has largely worked with the same players for three years, and through his collective structure, he has maximised their abilities. The only response he and his team had to those troubles was to train harder and trust the principles of work that had delivered previous success.
“Today is the summary, because this team, this atmosphere, this result is when we are feeling strong,” said Emery. “I am so happy, so proud of every Aston Villa supporter, every worker, every player, every coach.”
It was apt that Watkins, a player who has been criticised heavily this season and who Emery has repeatedly defended, scored twice. Similarly, John McGinn’s stunning goal, his team’s fourth, with Villa’s captain seemingly at the epicentre of any big game, or any big moment in the club’s recent history. The goal was sublime, from outside the box and bending into the far corner. Of course, it was from outside the box — defying underlying metrics and scoring from long range has been one of the themes of Villa’s season.
They will now head to Istanbul in search of footballing immortality. As staff say, players have one more match to make themselves legends. Achieving Champions League qualification beforehand, though, represents another extraordinary feat.
-
Aston Villa qualifying for the Champions League again is a new high under Emery… so far
Jacob Tanswell
May 16, 2026
The Champions League anthem echoed gloriously around Villa Park.
The final word — “champion” — was stretched out and sung in unison by every home supporter.
Aston Villa, a triumph of consistency and endurance, had secured qualification for Europe’s premier competition for the second time in three seasons, having painfully missed out on goal difference last year.
Players bathed in the accomplishment during a lap of appreciation. Unai Emery, who, so usually focused on the next game and invariably heads straight for the tunnel, allowed himself to enjoy. He marched towards the Holte End, taking in all the adoration from the fans who worship him.
“We are going to play for you, for a trophy,” Emery said.
Peering into the crowd, he finished with a flourish, bellowing into the microphone, “UP THE VILLA!”
Once they returned to the dressing room, the team posed for a photo, with coaches, backroom staff and co-owner, Nassef Sawiris.
Friday’s 4-2 victory also meant he had finally beaten Liverpool as Villa manager. In doing so, he had gone through all of the Premier League’s ‘big six’, even if his team now have a strong argument to be firmly ensconced among them. It just so happened to be his 600th win as a manager; it is astounding that Emery was not considered one of the six nominees for Premier League manager of the year.
This was the perfect send-off for Istanbul, where Villa face Freiburg in the Europa League final on Wednesday. Home supporters were singing about Istanbul in the final throes, knowing that the opportunity of silverware — a first major trophy in three decades and a first European final in 44 years — will never be greater in this era of brilliance.
Villa staff enjoyed a five per cent pay rise after qualifying for the Champions League in the 2023-24 campaign and a further three per cent for a Europa League finish last season. This Villa side has elevated a club beyond its expected growth, founded on mental toughness and a combination of excellence within the coaching and core group of players.
“To keep this level… ‘wow’,” said Emery in his press conference, appearing more relieved and delighted than ever before.
“We’ve been through thick and thin together,” said Watkins. “There is an English core which has been here since day one. The team is pretty much the same since Dean Smith was here. We’ve been through highs and lows together.”
Together, the latest achievement — until Wednesday at least — is definitely the best of Emery’s Villa. Very few thought a top-five finish was feasible after a turbulent summer, no goal in the first four games, and no win in the first five.
“Injuries, no a f…penalty for us in one year, biggest investment in the history for the bigger budget clubs, playing Thursday and Sunday 2 pm… well CHAMPIONS LEAGUE!!!” said director of football operations, Damian Vidagany, on X. “No excuses culture, a great group of committed players and the best manager (yes EPL the best manager). UTV. Next stop Istanbul!!!! See you there lads!!!! One more push, more desire and ambition than ever!!!”
Villa sources stated at the start of the season that Morgan Rogers and Watkins would have a heavy burden on them to provide the goals.
With both hitting double figures, they have produced under pressure. Emery had been demanding more goals from other areas and better incision inside the box, yet it was startling that Villa managed to record 11 straight wins across all competitions over the winter, with Watkins, their long-running talisman, scoring just two league goals by December. He has since come back with vengeance, hitting 11 in his previous 14 appearances.
In many ways, Villa’s response to Virgil van Dijk’s second-half equaliser is what, fundamentally, explains their success. Their resilience and ability to recover from setbacks have defined Villa’s campaign.
Speak to those around the team and they will admit there is, at this stage of the campaign, fatigue among the players. Perhaps some even had one eye on ensuring they did not pick up an injury ahead of the final. Yet, when they needed to mobilise and fight back after Van Dijk scored, players found the energy and ripped Liverpool apart through pace, directness, and ruthlessness in transition.
It has been a wildly fluctuating season, fraught with emotion. After a terrible start, from October to the end of January, Villa won more games than any other Premier League side (13). At the opposite end of the scale and before Liverpool’s visit, only four sides had accrued fewer points than Villa (13) since the start of February.
“The season we started poorly,” Emery said. “We were fantastic for three months, then again we were down, not feeling comfortable or confident, but the consistency and the demands always were high, and we never gave up.”
Villa are still relatively new to the Champions League party, though their participation is vital to keep fuel in the tank. Financial restrictions are still expected to be a challenge this summer, limiting Villa’s ability to spend and increasing their openness to sell. They will have more room for manoeuvre with Champions League revenues, with Villa’s commercial income, particularly potential sponsorship deals, significantly aided.
Emery’s team, so far, has shown a way to battle against such limitations. Financial sanctions were viewed as stifling progress last summer, and led to an increasingly stagnant mood setting in. This was an ageing squad, with many uncertain futures. It is hard to remember now or to mock, but there was a feeling that direct rivals — such as Newcastle United — had strengthened and were stretching beyond them. Sporting director Monchi left, owing to developing tensions with Emery.
This seeped onto the pitch. Villa were running less and sprinting less. Noises from the dressing room suggested players were behind the manager, but there was a crisis of confidence, and no one could put a finger on the main issue.
Emery has largely worked with the same players for three years, and through his collective structure, he has maximised their abilities. The only response he and his team had to those troubles was to train harder and trust the principles of work that had delivered previous success.
“Today is the summary, because this team, this atmosphere, this result is when we are feeling strong,” said Emery. “I am so happy, so proud of every Aston Villa supporter, every worker, every player, every coach.”
It was apt that Watkins, a player who has been criticised heavily this season and who Emery has repeatedly defended, scored twice. Similarly, John McGinn’s stunning goal, his team’s fourth, with Villa’s captain seemingly at the epicentre of any big game, or any big moment in the club’s recent history. The goal was sublime, from outside the box and bending into the far corner. Of course, it was from outside the box — defying underlying metrics and scoring from long range has been one of the themes of Villa’s season.
They will now head to Istanbul in search of footballing immortality. As staff say, players have one more match to make themselves legends. Achieving Champions League qualification beforehand, though, represents another extraordinary feat.
Absolutely glorious.
-
Got sent this in WhatsApp earlier
https://x.com/xenceee/status/2055741031228813534?s=46
It’s a thing of beauty.
Last night also saw I felt a return of the Cash, Konsa, Torres, Digne perfectly choreographed backline. Late 80s Arsenal fans would have been purring.
Apols it’s a X link
-
It’s a thing of beauty.
Apols it’s a X link
https://xcancel.com/xenceee/status/2055741031228813534
-
Not sure how it work as Emi hit plenty of passes to Watkins.
-
I thought that. Maybe it’s just a map for short passes?
-
The red plot is exactly what I watched yesterday. My grandson's under 10s match.
-
It’s a thing of beauty.
Apols it’s a X link
https://xcancel.com/xenceee/status/2055741031228813534
Love this comment:
"That's not fair, only one of these teams has a professional coach"
-
No idea if the link will work but you can see the original of that here - https://theanalyst.com/opta-football-match-centre?competitionId=2kwbbcootiqqgmrzs6o5inle5&seasonId=51r6ph2woavlbbpk8f29nynf8&matchId=52q6oshpwx91dnjt9x0cx1iqc - and if you mouse over the lines it will tell you how many completed passes in each direction between those players there were.
-
I'm assuming the percentage is the amount compared to all the completed passes over the whole match.