Aston Villa rip Liverpool apart to secure Champions League football

0:06Welcome to the Sky Sports Premier League podcast. Europa League finalists Aston Villa were in action on Friday night as they hosted Liverpool at Villa Park. This is how we saw things at full time.

0:27Well, listen to that Villar Parque roar. The latest on another memorable night at Villar Parque. In the last home game of the season, Unai Emery has seen his side cement Champions League football with a big win over Liverpool. Four goals put past Arna Slott's side tonight. and Ollie Watkins at the double, fantastic goal from John McGinn to cap things off as well, but their European romance under Unai Emery will continue next season, and for this season there's a huge final to come, these are historic times for Aston Villa, will they cap it off next week? Well they've certainly capped it off tonight, a night that belongs to Villa Park, and the final score is Aston Villa for Liverpool 2.

1:24Yeah, what a fantastic night for Aston Villa. I was talking to one fan on the way in today who said he thought it might be a dead rubber. Not a bit of it. And do you know what? Unai Emery, Lee Henry, set the tone with the first things he said to us this evening when he joined us live at the top of the programme. This game was the big priority for Aston Villa. Forget Wednesday night, it was about getting the job done. Yeah, and didn't they just as well? I mean, the first half was a little bit flat, probably the first 25, 30 minutes. But as you said, I think it just showed his demeanour in that interview that, you know, where he wanted to be and what he wanted to achieve this season.

2:01They were magnificent. That second half performance in particular was brilliant. I mean, you have to give them full credit and really brave, you know, to pick a side that you'd feel that wouldn't be far away from playing next week in the final on Wednesday. but Olly Watkins absolutely outstanding I mean all throughout the side you know the team the team performance he caused no end of problems didn't he to the two centre-halves Olly brilliant result have you noticed the music they're playing? it's nice Lee pressed play I agree with you that is it what a fantastic achievement unbelievable unbelievable especially we mentioned it at the start we mentioned it again they didn't win a game in five when the season started they didn't score in their first four games they looked at a team it was devoid of confidence, the hangover but I thought they were brilliant today let's hear from someone Yeah, let's get down there and speak to Johnny McGuin wrap things up for Aston Villa here he's with Johnny Phillips John, was that just a great way to round off the season here at Villa Park?

3:00It was, we had to get over the line obviously our last few league performances haven't been the best so you're up against the top side I know Liverpool aren't in great form but it's a huge performance at home and a great statement of intent for Wednesday yeah exactly to back up what you did against Forest here at home as well the team must be brilliant with confidence right now we need to be how can you not be we've just made this club a Champions League club again and it allows us to be excited and enjoy the game Wednesday properly so we've got a chance to get a bit of silverware but the fact this club's in the Champions League next season is an unbelievable achievement again and let's talk about the goal scoring as well we'll come to you in a minute but to have Oli Watkins in this sort of form going into the European final as well oh yeah I wish he was Scottish.

3:44No, he was obviously disappointed in March, but if it gave him a kicker on the backside, he certainly responded in the best way. We're so fortunate to have him. What he's done for this club the last few seasons has been incredible. I think he might have just snuck his way onto that plane. Morgan as well with a great goal, so hopefully he can carry that on Wednesday. More importantly, what about midweek? You want him in form for that, don't you? I can't wait. It'll be the pinnacle of my Aston Villa career and hopefully it'll be the end of the game. I've got my hands on that trophy and that's what we're going to have to do.

4:15What sort of build-up is it going to be now this week? The fans here, they've been celebrating all throughout that second half. Is this going to be something special now? It is. The supporters have got to enjoy it. We'll enjoy the build-up to a certain extent and then when it gets closer to Wednesday, we'll start to focus on the game plan and what we need to do to win. We're obviously slight favourites going into the game, but in finals anything can happen, so we need to stay focused, play the game, not the occasion. Just tell us what it's like, though, being in that dressing room right now with all this ahead of you?

4:42It's amazing. It's just what you dream of when you're young to be playing in games like this and playing in finals. So you've got to enjoy it, but you've got to succeed at the same time. Well done tonight. Cheers. Aston Bull, they're calling it. They can go home and get their passports checked, get their bags packed, and off they go to take on Freiburg to try and bring home their first European silverware for 44 years. Haven't won a major trophy of any type since 1990. A few of those masks doing the rounds. You can't get on the plane with one of those, though. What a signing he's been, eh? Oh, unbelievable signing.

5:20Brilliant. Well, there's plenty more in that team that have really stood up and been counted when it really mattered for Aston Villa. European football guaranteed for the fourth successive season for the first time in their history. Liverpool have still got some work to do to be playing Champions League football next season. an encouragement now for Bournemouth, chasing them in fifth. But the bad news, of course, for Bournemouth, Brighton, Brentford, if Villa finish in fourth place, then it will only be top five playing Champions League football next season. They're all hoping that Manchester City beat Chelsea in the FA Cup probably as well tomorrow because in that scenario, then it will be eight teams playing in Europe next season.

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6:34Belting out the tunes here and I'm sure they will be tomorrow at Celtic Park as well on a dramatic final day in Scotland. 11.30, our coverage gets underway as the top two go head-to-head to decide the title on Sky Sports Football. And from new episodes every Thursday on Sky One.

7:03And we will continue our coverage over on Sky Sports Premier League, wrapping up, pulsating second half, which brought us five goals, two of them for Oli Watkins, which sealed the play of the match for him and sealed Aston Villa's place in the Champions League next season. Do stay with us.

7:26It's time for the EFL playoffs, where one moment can change an entire season. join me Simeon Golem on the essential EFL podcast for all the stories and the drama across the championship league one and league two I'll be joined by Sky Sports' top EFL pundits to analyze all of the games and bring you immediate reaction to the Wembley finals that's the essential EFL podcast from Sky Sports listen wherever you get your podcasts

7:55This is the Sky Sports Premier League podcast. Let's get more analysis of the game and return to the studio.

8:04Setpiece, coach is out. And they go back with it. Dina, this might work out nicely. Brilliant from Rodgers.

8:18the corner worked out very well indeed oh slip at the back and a chance for Villa to take advantage Watkins he certainly takes advantage McGinn sends it in and now they're appealing as the ball sent it again what a save they can't keep that one out it's another for Watkins Here's McKinn. And he locks for the top corner. Oh, boy, does he find it. Aston Villa will be playing Champions League football next season. Coat off from Unai Emery for that one. It was that good, the fourth goal that really was the icing on the cake for Aston Villa. A couple of headed goals from Virgil van Dijk. The Liverpool response, but they were well beaten, particularly in this second half here in the Liverpool fans just in front of us here.

9:14A lot of them had well gone before the final whistle blew. Let's take you back to the first goal of the night, which seems an awful long time ago now. And it was a really smart set piece move, Jamie. Yeah, there's so many things that have to happen for this. You've got six or seven players that are involved. Telemans is almost the one orchestrating it. He's now going, OK, got his arm up. Wait, wait, wait. Now we're ready. You can see Morgan Rodgers is on the move. They play the ball back to John McGinn. Then what they're hoping for is for the two players, for Rio to go out and engage, and then Kirk is.

9:43And that leaves Morgan Rodgers free. You can see all of that space there. You can see Buendia, number 10. He's then taken, I think it's Cody Gapko. And then you've got your best player, and we've seen him do this against Man Utd, in the position to bend it into the top corner. You see Morgan Rodgers on the move. It's almost what you see sometimes in American football, like special teams, people moving, people taking pieces of that, people out of play. Now you've got that space that you wanted, and it's a brilliant finish. Yes, you could look at the goalkeeper. I think you see this angle here. I think he sees maybe that Sobber Sly might be in the way.

10:13But great technique. So well worked. And it just shows you the detail that you have to go through. Years ago, I was on free kicks. You were on free kicks. Then you'd go, well, we've got a set piece here. I'm maybe going to try and pick out my centre back and then with maybe a little bit of movement at the near post, maybe the flick on. Gary McAllison was always great at the near post flick on. That was as far as it went. Nowadays, everybody has to engage in it. The amount of detail that you have to take on, That was their first corner of the match. So they knew the first corner, we are going to do this and everyone has to be part of it.

10:42When you see him come out, it's quite ominous when you see, what's his name? Austin. Austin comes out and you think, oh, we're in trouble here. But absolutely brilliant. And I think it's credit to everybody buying into it as well. Yeah, I think it's the fight margins, isn't it? And I've seen them do them all season here and sometimes they haven't come off. But I think that's the whole point of it. You try these certain things. As you say, it's drawing players out. It's making space. and everyone's got to buy into these ideas that Austin's doing and it's been successful. You see the amount of set-pieces of that, 17.

11:1017 they've scored from, 12 from corners. Is he also on defensive set-pieces though as well? I didn't see him sliding to the background when that happens. He had his glasses on and his little wig. Someone forgot to pick up the biggest man on the pitch. Oh my word, I mean this was far too easy. I think the two goals, to be quite honest, are far too easy and there's a little bit of hustle and bustle on the edge of the box but nothing that should rule this goal out. You know, it's, I mean, Matt Cash goes down far too easy for me, but, you know, it's all about the delivery. And then when you've got Virgil in that sort of area with no one around him, you know what's coming next.

11:45Takes it well, Lee, doesn't he? Yeah, it's a really good header, I mean, but he's got no pressure. And then it's all about just making sure you get that contact in towards the far corner. So a good start to the second half for Liverpool. This contest was very much in the balance. Now, Oli Watkins had been booked at the back end of the first half, So he was on a yellow card and then this incident just after the equalising goal in this crazy 10 minutes From about the 50th minute onwards you got Liverpool equalised and then Ollie Watkins runs clear And I think a lot of people are waiting for a whistle or maybe the linesman's flag here and Ollie Watkins runs on and puts the ball in the net keep your eye on the on the referee Chris Cavanaugh So Ollie Watkins is in an offside position.

12:26The flag has gone up, but where's the whistle? doesn't come until after the ball is in the back of the net. And the interesting point we raise now is because the Liverpool bench were protesting straight away, thinking that should have been a second yellow card for Oli Watkins. Because the referee waited, and in fairness to Oli, it was so tight, he's going at such a pace. He should have kept himself onside first of all. I think we all accept that. But when he doesn't, the referee doesn't blow the whistle and he's more than entitled to put the ball in the back of the net. So it's not a second yellow card, because it was so fine, the margin there.

12:59I said there was a real flurry of activity because before Watkins then went to the other end and scored, Rio and Gamora had hit the post at this end at 1-0. And then it was a question of who could keep their calm, who could stay on their feet as well at times? Yeah, I mean... Sir Bozlai couldn't. I know, I mean, it's the old Stephen Gerrard slip, isn't it, to a certain extent with Sir Bozlai just going down. It's brilliant how Villa reacts, that little ball inside. and then there's still an awful lot for Oli to do. You know, I mean, Morgan has that little bit of a press on, but once he goes to ground, I mean, he's in all sorts of trouble because Villa obviously are on the front foot, but even that clever little ball around the corner, you know, it's well-weighted for Oli just to come on.

13:42And yes, the contact doesn't have to be perfect. It wasn't perfect, but making sure he hits the target, which he has done, and then he gets that goal. 2-1, then Mamadish really makes a big save to keep it at 2-1 And then a few minutes later, he can't keep this one out. I mean, yeah. Great technique by Tielemans. But just Chiesa, just number 14. You can see him at the bottom. So has he just got to go out, Jamie? Yeah, he's come on the sub. And you can see the two subs that come on, Virts and Chiesa, both keep him on side. They don't rush out like everybody else, you can see. But I will also say, Cody Gatpo, if you're going to run out, number 18, you don't just run out.

14:19You run out and you mark to make sure, especially if you see someone behind you that's keeping people on side. They reacted quicker. Obviously, Pau Torres should score. Good first save in the second one. Oli Watkins just scrambles it in. He is Liverpool's nemesis. They just can't handle him. I've seen it. I remember the game in COVID. Did he get three, four goals, whatever it was? Nobody gives Virgil van Dijk more difficulties than what this guy does. He's an absolute... He's a menace to Liverpool. Seven and six against Liverpool here at Villa Park. It's just something in them that seemed to bring the best out.

14:48He enjoyed that physical contact, it seems, with Canati as well. I mean, it seemed that way, didn't it? I mean, all night that was happening, Canate and Van Dijk. But he obviously got the better of him. He enjoys the fact. I watched him tonight and there was a couple of little incidents where he looked like he was getting angry. And I never really see that. But it's almost like he's got that real desire to make sure that he punishes the two centre-halves. And he has done. I mean, he could have had maybe three or four tonight, you know, in the certain areas he got himself into. Do you think as well, I've always thought this was forwards, the fact that he's like the main man.

15:22Like, Tammy's come in, Tammy Abraham, but he is the one. And there's sometimes been when they played players. It's a contrast for last season, is it, Jamie? When he found himself outside, when Rashford was here, when he had a spell with Durand Asensio as well. He is the man. And they've got such a good understanding, Rodgers and Watkins as well. It's telepathic at times. I think Rodgers playing a little bit more inside tonight. He'd give that little bit more support to Wally. And you could see they were on the same wavelength at times, weren't they? Little balls around the corner. I mean, Unai's really stuck with him, let's be quite honest, because he hadn't scored as many goals as what everyone was thinking he could do.

16:00But he's a confidence player, isn't he? And you see that. He's the top scoring player in the Premier League since those March internationals. And that's significant, of course, because he's desperate to be on the plane, isn't he? He's got to be on the plane. I think, having been left out of the squad, I think since that, I think we've just seen a massive turn in the corner for Ollie Watkins. You know, he's just been relentless in front of goal. He showed his capabilities. He showed what he can do. And I've always said this. I think he's a totally different player to Harry Kane. He gives something different to the England back-up.

16:32I suppose, Jamie, the question is, are any of those players that we can see there going to go? Or will he just go with Harry Kane and use other players within the squad? But you've got to take at least one of them. So if it was going to be that, then who would it be? I would have to say Oli. I think out of the players that we're looking at there, they've all had good seasons, as you can see. But Dominic Calvert-Lewin's put himself back on the map as a really good player again. What he's done at Leeds is fantastic. I just think Oli playing in, you know, going to play in the European final, I wouldn't be surprised one bit if he scores and has a big influence in that game as well in Istanbul.

17:05So he would just be probably the one that edges it. But it depends what the manager wants. They've all got their different attributes. You know, there's lots to look at there. But Oli, I always think you're man in form and Oli Watkins is bang in form right now. Yeah, he's in form. I mean, there was talk about Ivan Toney even going because of his penalties. You know, the amount of times that England go to World Cups and they end up taking penalties. I mean, I think that would be quite ludicrous if they were choosing just because of that. Because there's players that can distribute the penalties.

17:35There's a heck of a parade going on behind you, by the way. This is all the first-team squad coaches and all their families as well. And entourages, I think. That's the next step for them. Aston Bull Wednesday night in the Besiktas Stadium where they will take on Freiburg. But there is a chance to just thank the fans as well for the part they've played. Stuck with the team because it hasn't always been plain sailing, has it, this season for Aston Buller after that sticky start. An amazing run of form after they had that really poor start. And then the form has just dropped off and it was a question of could they hang on to this place in the Champions League?

18:13And they've absolutely done that. And then they had this moment to celebrate as well at the end of the game that really just put it beyond doubt. He's got a catalogue of these, hasn't he, John McGinn? He's brilliant, isn't he? I mean, I wouldn't say he was, you know, the usual McGinn that we've seen, but I think he just sort of stayed out on that right-hand side. And, I mean, the amount of times that you see him just get in these positions, that wonderful left foot. I mean, it was inevitable. Even you know straight away, because he has that touch. I mean, you could say, could Kirkez go and make that little bit more towards him?

18:45But as soon as he's in that position, you know, it's inevitable that he's going to take that strike. It's a brilliant finish. Best scoring season of his career, 10 all-comps. Brilliant. And he seems to get better, doesn't he? Stronger. The manager utilises him really well. I mean, today he played 89 minutes. Normally 70 minutes he gets in, runs around, gives his all and then they take him off. But when you've got a European final as well, you feel when you look at Aston Villa, I know it's your team, but you feel like you've got so many match winners. Goals can come from different areas. Yeah, that's what I think is real brave for the manager to really pick that team tonight, just for that purpose.

19:17But as Jamie said, the players that they've got on the pitch, there's match winners all over. Much changed the team the weekend, either for, and then get everyone ready for next week. Just I suppose the one blip is the fact they conceded two goals. They conceded two goals from set pieces as well, which, again, is not something that Dusty McPhee or Unai Emery would want to see ahead of Wednesday. No, I agree. I mean, it's Douglas Luiz that comes on, doesn't he? And we talked about substitutes and making impacts and making sure he's switching on. I think Douglas Luiz makes it a little bit too easy there for Virgil van Dijk, but to concede the way they did in the manner they did, that'll disappoint Unai Emery for sure.

19:58I'm sure he'll be scrubbing up a few of them set pieces and making them look over and making sure they're good defensively going into that cup final next week. Yeah, the parade goes on behind us here. there are still loads of Aston Villa fans in the stadium and I think it's fair to say the players have enjoyed this they certainly earned their lap of honour tonight not just the players of course well done Austin was he in positive figures tonight? no he wasn't he was in negative figures in the end but when we come back we will get reaction from the managers on a fantastic night for Aston Villa that much is clear Champions League football again and more questions More disappointment for Liverpool and for Arna Slott.

20:40We'll deal with that before we leave you tonight.

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21:30Yes, all focus now on Istanbul for Unai Emery and Aston Villa and the Europa League final. on Wednesday, having confirmed their place in the Champions League next season. What a night for Aston Villa, rounding off an amazing season, which could get even better. And for Liverpool, it gets even worse. Brentford on the final day for them. Before that, here is Arnaz Slob with Jonny Phillips. On obviously a really difficult night, it looked like the second goal was unfortunate for Aston Villa, but what happened after that that was the real concern? That was definitely unfortunate, if you want to call it like that.

22:09It was in a moment of the game when we were coming back at 1-1, we hit the post. So I thought we were in a good moment at that moment of time. By the way, similar in the first half, because when we conceded the 1-0, I think that was also in a spell where we played acceptable. And yeah, then if you conceded 2-1 in the fashion we did with the fans behind them, they were getting more and more chances and another set-piece from the three and led to a well-deserved win for them. Why do you feel it was that it was so difficult to respond? As you said, the fans got behind them and Villa just seemed to be surging forward after that.