Aston Villa 4-2 Liverpool LIVE – Villa rout secures Champions League football

Interesting comments from Ollie Watkins, who says he felt he could “exploit” Liverpool’s “disjointed” back-line with the space they gave him to run into.

“The only thing we can do now is have a very good week and prepare well.

”We hope our fans will be fully behind us, we’ve experienced many times how important that is at Anfield.”

“A well deserved win for them.

”We lost control after 2-1. It was a part of the game where we struggled.

“We’ve conceded far too many goals this season. We conceded four and three out of four were from set pieces today.”

John McGinn on his team-mate Ollie Watkins: “I wish he was Scottish. He was obviously disappointed in March (being left out for England) but if it gave him a kick up the backside he’s certainly responded in the best way.

“We’re so fortunate to have him, what he’s done for this club the past few seasons has been incredible. I think he may have just snuck his way on to that plane. Hopefully he can carry that into next week.”

Aston Villa’s win tonight means they have secured Champions League football next season, regardless of what happens in their Europa League final on Wednesday.

Bournemouth could go a point behind Liverpool, meanwhile, if they win against Manchester City next week.

Full time at Villa Park and Aston Villa win 4-2!

Virgil van Dijk heads home to reduce the deficit.

Eight minutes added on.

Jadon Sancho and Douglas Luiz replace John McGinn and Youri Tielemans.

Game, set and match for Aston Villa!

Absolutely top finish from John McGinn, who sets himself and curls the ball into the top left corner to give Villa their fourth goal of the match.

Emiliano Buendia is replaced by Ian Maatsen.

A Liverpool cross finds its way to Federico Chiesa, but Martinez is quick out to deny the Italian.

Liverpool have gained more ball possession since Villa’s goal, but that’s it. Villa have been far the superior side today.

A poor night for Arne Slot’s men.

Mohamed Salah replaces Cody Gakpo.

Watkins scores again and Villa have three!

Youri Tielemans’ effort is parried by Mamardashvili, then saves Pau Torres’ rebound before Watkins fires in the second rebound.

VAR check for a possible red card after Ezri Konsa appeared to raise his arm into the face of Alexis Mac Allister.

Check is over and play resumes.

So close to a third for Villa.

Buendia’s curling effort takes a slight deflection before bouncing off the crossbar.

Villa win another corner after Digne’s cross deflects wide off Chiesa.

Federico Chiesa and Florian Wirtz replace Joe Gomez and Ryan Gravenberch.

John McGinn is shown a yellow card for a foul on Milos Kerkez.

Villa counter from a quick free kick, with Rogers again playing in Watkins, but Mamardashvili blocks well.

Joe Gomez is shown a yellow card for a needless foul on Emi Buendia.

Villa lead again!

This time Szoboszlai slips, and allows Rogers to nick the ball and he plays it to Watkins, who passes the ball into the bottom left corner to put the hosts ahead.

Ngumoha is enjoying himself today!

He cuts inside of the Villa defence again and bends the ball towards the bottom left corner, but his effort hits the post, before Gakpo slices the ball out of play.