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North Wales Chronicle
17-05-2025
- Sport
- North Wales Chronicle
In-form Aston Villa close on Champions League return with Tottenham victory
Villa's memorable run to the quarter-finals of this season's competition gave them the taste for more and they boosted their hopes with an eighth win from their last nine Premier League games. This was probably the biggest home banker of the campaign given where Spurs' focus lay, but Villa made hard work of it, needing second-half goals from Ezri Konsa and Boubacar Kamara to get the job done. What a win for @AVFCOfficial as they continue their charge for a Champions League spot!#AVLTOT — Premier League (@premierleague) May 16, 2025 However, Chelsea's win over Manchester United later on Friday night means they have to win their final game of the season at Old Trafford and hope other teams, including Enzo Maresca's side and Manchester City, drop points. Spurs could yet still be in the Champions League next season as well if they can end their trophy drought with Europa League victory over United and boss Ange Postecoglou did nothing to jeopardise that at Villa Park. The embattled Australian made it clear where his focus was by naming a weakened side, which included a first Premier League start since 2022 for forgotten man Sergio Reguilon. They never really looked like avoiding a 21st league defeat of a miserable league season, but all roads now lead to Bilbao where history could beckon. Villa had an early flurry of chances as Ollie Watkins fired straight at Antonin Kinsky and John McGinn fizzed an effort just over. But Spurs, and Son Heung-min in particular, showed – for a time at least – they were not here just to make the numbers up. The South Korean is one of the players who is likely to play in Bilbao and he almost opened the scoring when he cut inside and whipped an effort just over the crossbar. Son was again involved as Spurs went close once more, starting a move that saw Wilson Odobert cleverly flick Mathys Tel's cross goalwards, but Emiliano Martinez was equal to it, saving with his feet. FEELS GOOD 😌 — Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) May 16, 2025 It was Kinsky who was then forced into a smart save as he got finger tips to Amadou Onana's cross that was sneaking into the far post. Villa came forward with a wave of attacks, with Marco Asensio curling just wide from 20 yards and Konsa heading straight at Kinsky. Frustrations were growing as the hosts floundered at the start of the second half but the tension was relieved as they finally made the breakthrough just before the hour. Watkins rose highest from McGinn's corner and his knockdown was swept home by Konsa. It was almost 2-0 60 seconds later but Kinsky got down well to keep out Watkins' effort. Kamara did kill any jangling nerves in the 73rd minute when he unleashed a fierce low shot that was too hot to handle for Kinsky. Villa saw it out to end their excellent home campaign with a record-extending 21st match unbeaten in all competitions, with goalkeeper Martinez, who has been linked with a move away, in tears at the end. For Spurs, it is about going one more match this season without defeat.
Leader Live
17-05-2025
- Sport
- Leader Live
In-form Aston Villa close on Champions League return with Tottenham victory
Villa's memorable run to the quarter-finals of this season's competition gave them the taste for more and they boosted their hopes with an eighth win from their last nine Premier League games. This was probably the biggest home banker of the campaign given where Spurs' focus lay, but Villa made hard work of it, needing second-half goals from Ezri Konsa and Boubacar Kamara to get the job done. What a win for @AVFCOfficial as they continue their charge for a Champions League spot!#AVLTOT — Premier League (@premierleague) May 16, 2025 However, Chelsea's win over Manchester United later on Friday night means they have to win their final game of the season at Old Trafford and hope other teams, including Enzo Maresca's side and Manchester City, drop points. Spurs could yet still be in the Champions League next season as well if they can end their trophy drought with Europa League victory over United and boss Ange Postecoglou did nothing to jeopardise that at Villa Park. The embattled Australian made it clear where his focus was by naming a weakened side, which included a first Premier League start since 2022 for forgotten man Sergio Reguilon. They never really looked like avoiding a 21st league defeat of a miserable league season, but all roads now lead to Bilbao where history could beckon. Villa had an early flurry of chances as Ollie Watkins fired straight at Antonin Kinsky and John McGinn fizzed an effort just over. But Spurs, and Son Heung-min in particular, showed – for a time at least – they were not here just to make the numbers up. The South Korean is one of the players who is likely to play in Bilbao and he almost opened the scoring when he cut inside and whipped an effort just over the crossbar. Son was again involved as Spurs went close once more, starting a move that saw Wilson Odobert cleverly flick Mathys Tel's cross goalwards, but Emiliano Martinez was equal to it, saving with his feet. FEELS GOOD 😌 — Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) May 16, 2025 It was Kinsky who was then forced into a smart save as he got finger tips to Amadou Onana's cross that was sneaking into the far post. Villa came forward with a wave of attacks, with Marco Asensio curling just wide from 20 yards and Konsa heading straight at Kinsky. Frustrations were growing as the hosts floundered at the start of the second half but the tension was relieved as they finally made the breakthrough just before the hour. Watkins rose highest from McGinn's corner and his knockdown was swept home by Konsa. It was almost 2-0 60 seconds later but Kinsky got down well to keep out Watkins' effort. Kamara did kill any jangling nerves in the 73rd minute when he unleashed a fierce low shot that was too hot to handle for Kinsky. Villa saw it out to end their excellent home campaign with a record-extending 21st match unbeaten in all competitions, with goalkeeper Martinez, who has been linked with a move away, in tears at the end. For Spurs, it is about going one more match this season without defeat.
Rhyl Journal
17-05-2025
- Sport
- Rhyl Journal
In-form Aston Villa close on Champions League return with Tottenham victory
Villa's memorable run to the quarter-finals of this season's competition gave them the taste for more and they boosted their hopes with an eighth win from their last nine Premier League games. This was probably the biggest home banker of the campaign given where Spurs' focus lay, but Villa made hard work of it, needing second-half goals from Ezri Konsa and Boubacar Kamara to get the job done. What a win for @AVFCOfficial as they continue their charge for a Champions League spot!#AVLTOT — Premier League (@premierleague) May 16, 2025 However, Chelsea's win over Manchester United later on Friday night means they have to win their final game of the season at Old Trafford and hope other teams, including Enzo Maresca's side and Manchester City, drop points. Spurs could yet still be in the Champions League next season as well if they can end their trophy drought with Europa League victory over United and boss Ange Postecoglou did nothing to jeopardise that at Villa Park. The embattled Australian made it clear where his focus was by naming a weakened side, which included a first Premier League start since 2022 for forgotten man Sergio Reguilon. They never really looked like avoiding a 21st league defeat of a miserable league season, but all roads now lead to Bilbao where history could beckon. Villa had an early flurry of chances as Ollie Watkins fired straight at Antonin Kinsky and John McGinn fizzed an effort just over. But Spurs, and Son Heung-min in particular, showed – for a time at least – they were not here just to make the numbers up. The South Korean is one of the players who is likely to play in Bilbao and he almost opened the scoring when he cut inside and whipped an effort just over the crossbar. Son was again involved as Spurs went close once more, starting a move that saw Wilson Odobert cleverly flick Mathys Tel's cross goalwards, but Emiliano Martinez was equal to it, saving with his feet. FEELS GOOD 😌 — Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) May 16, 2025 It was Kinsky who was then forced into a smart save as he got finger tips to Amadou Onana's cross that was sneaking into the far post. Villa came forward with a wave of attacks, with Marco Asensio curling just wide from 20 yards and Konsa heading straight at Kinsky. Frustrations were growing as the hosts floundered at the start of the second half but the tension was relieved as they finally made the breakthrough just before the hour. Watkins rose highest from McGinn's corner and his knockdown was swept home by Konsa. It was almost 2-0 60 seconds later but Kinsky got down well to keep out Watkins' effort. Kamara did kill any jangling nerves in the 73rd minute when he unleashed a fierce low shot that was too hot to handle for Kinsky. Villa saw it out to end their excellent home campaign with a record-extending 21st match unbeaten in all competitions, with goalkeeper Martinez, who has been linked with a move away, in tears at the end. For Spurs, it is about going one more match this season without defeat.
Mint
16-05-2025
- Sport
- Mint
Soccer-Villa cruise past sorry Spurs to boost Champions League push
Emery's Villa go fifth in Premier League Yet another defeat for Spurs, ahead of Europa League final Konsa and Kamara score the winning goals in second half (Adds match details, managers, league positions) BIRMINGHAM, May 16 (Reuters) - High-flying Aston Villa dispatched Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 in the Premier League on Friday to keep up their quest for more Champions League football and leave their visitors firmly focused on next week's Europa League final. With Villa dominating possession in a party atmosphere for their final home game of the season, the breakthrough came in the 59th minute when centre-back Ezri Konsa whipped home after Ollie Watkins headed the ball into his path from a corner. Midfielder Boubacar Kamara rifled home Villa's second in the 73rd minute to end the tepid resistance of Spurs, who hope to salvage an otherwise miserable season in Bilbao next week if they can beat Manchester United to lift the Europa League. With one fixture left, Villa are on 66 points and fifth in the Premier League, the last qualifying berth for the Champions League. Chelsea are above them on goal difference after beating Manchester United also on Friday. Manchester City are sixth on 65 points but with two games left. Villa goalscorer Konsa said his goal came from a corner routine the team had worked on during the week, setting them on their way for a remarkable eighth consecutive home win. "I'm just glad that we managed to get the win on our last home game and give the fans something to cheer for," he said. "We knew today was a must-win. We want to play Champions League football again. We had a taste of it this season, got to the quarters. For us as players, it's the competition that you want to play in." After suffering a 21st defeat in this season, Spurs sit a woeful 17th in the Premier League with 38 points, just above the bottom three already relegated sides. , Spurs coach Ange Postecoglou at least had the pleasure of seeing his captain Son Heung-min, recently back from injury, looking unscathed for the Bilbao clash. Son was involved in all the Londoners' best attacking play, but in truth they barely laid a glove on Villa who won easily even without showing their usual intensity. Morgan Rogers nearly saw a glancing header tipped round by Spurs goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky while Marco Asensio tormented the visitors with his footwork and Watkins saw a low shot fly just past the post. "Very very happy," said Villa coach Unai Emery, punching the air in joy before posing with fans for selfies after the game. "We have to try keep being consistent like we are now, focused and demanding. .. There's still work to do, to have the chance of playing Champions League." Villa's final Premier League game is away at Manchester United. Spurs under-fire boss Postecoglou praised his team's endeavour at Villa Park but said ultimately they ran out of steam. "Up until they scored, the boys worked hard, we didn't let them create too many openings, we had our moments too," he said. "Once they scored, I think we lost belief and we were fatiguing, then the game just got away with us." (Reporting by Andrew Cawthorne, Editing by Pritha Sarkar) Villa Park England Aston Villa Tottenham Hotspur
Irish Independent
16-05-2025
- Sport
- Irish Independent
In-form Aston Villa close on Champions League return with Tottenham victory
Villa's memorable run to the quarter-finals of this season's competition gave them the taste for more and they boosted their hopes with an eighth win from their last nine Premier League games. This was probably the biggest home banker of the campaign given where Spurs' focus lay, but Villa made hard work of it, needing second-half goals from Ezri Konsa and Boubacar Kamara to get the job done. That means, if other results go their way this weekend, a win in their final game of the season at Manchester United would be enough to guarantee Villa a return to the promised land. Spurs could yet still be in the Champions League next season as well if they can end their trophy drought with Europa League victory over United and boss Ange Postecoglou did nothing to jeopardise that at Villa Park. The embattled Australian made it clear where his focus was by naming a weakened side, which included a first Premier League start since 2022 for forgotten man Sergio Reguilon. They never really looked like avoiding a 21st league defeat of a miserable league season, but all roads now lead to Bilbao where history could beckon. Villa had an early flurry of chances as Ollie Watkins fired straight at Antonin Kinsky and John McGinn fizzed an effort just over. But Spurs, and Son Heung-min in particular, showed – for a time at least – they were not here just to make the numbers up. The South Korean is one of the players who is likely to play in Bilbao and he almost opened the scoring when he cut inside and whipped an effort just over the crossbar. Son was again involved as Spurs went close once more, starting a move that saw Wilson Odobert cleverly flick Mathys Tel's cross goalwards, but Emiliano Martinez was equal to it, saving with his feet. ADVERTISEMENT It was Kinsky who was then forced into a smart save as he got finger tips to Amadou Onana's cross that was sneaking into the far post. Villa came forward with a wave of attacks, with Marco Asensio curling just wide from 20 yards and Konsa heading straight at Kinsky. Frustrations were growing as the hosts floundered at the start of the second half but the tension was relieved as they finally made the breakthrough just before the hour. Watkins rose highest from McGinn's corner and his knockdown was swept home by Konsa. It was almost 2-0 60 seconds later but Kinsky got down well to keep out Watkins' effort. Kamara did kill any jangling nerves in the 73rd minute when he unleashed a fierce low shot that was too hot to handle for Kinsky. Villa saw it out to end their excellent home campaign with a record-extending 21st match unbeaten in all competitions, with goalkeeper Martinez, who has been linked with a move away, in tears at the end. For Spurs, it is about going one more match this season without defeat.
