Aston Villa thump sorry Liverpool to pile more pressure on Arne Slot - 5 talking points
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ASTON VILLA 4-2 LIVERPOOL: Ollie Watkins scored twice to secure Unai Emery's side a spot in next season's Champions League as they tore through a poor Reds sideAston Villa booked their spot in next season's Champions League as Ollie Watkins' second-half brace helped down Liverpool - who will be sweating on their own spot in the top five after another poor display.Watkins' doubled ensured Unai Emery's men warmed up for next week's Europa League final in the best possible way. Morgan Rogers had given Villa the lead shortly before half-time before Virgil van Dijk got Liverpool back on level terms.John McGinn scored a stunning fourth late on to add even more gloss to a memorable night before Van Dijk got his second of the night to add some respectability to the scoreline.Rogers produced the game's first moment of magic to open the scoring.
The Dutchman nodded in from a free-kick, but replays showed a slight push on Matty Cash, but it wasn't enough to chalk it off as the visitors gained parity.READ MORE: Premier League could ‘move goalposts’ on how clubs settle breaches of financial rulesREAD MORE: Jamie Carragher and Rio Ferdinand in new row after public Casemiro U-turnMinutes later and Rio Ngumoha was centimetres away from giving the Reds the lead as the teenager cut in from the left before bending his shot, which was good enough to beat Emi Martinez, but not the post.Villa quickly recovered to take the lead after a routine throw-in to Dominik Szoboszlai saw the Hungarian slip, presenting the ball to Rogers and one pass to Watkins saw the Englishman finish first time.The hosts had numerous chances to extend their lead, but were wasteful with their final pass letting them down whilst the woodwork denied Emi Buendia.Watkins' second made the game safe for Emery's side as the striker tapped home from four yards. Here's five talking points from Villa Park.Dire RedsFor all they've recovered from their midseason slump, which saw them lose nine in 12, to look like they should secure a Champions League spot, actually watching Liverpool perform leaves you with plenty of questions.
He might only be 23, but this is a year wasted.Door opens for BournemouthThe Cherries will have been eyeing this fixture for a weeks given their rise, knowing full well one of Liverpool or Villa had to drop points. Andoni Iraola is desperate to go out on a high and that high could yet end with Champions League football, albeit their task is still a tough one.Whilst Liverpool dropped points on Friday night, Bournemouth's chance to close in involves them playing Manchester City.