Aston Villa clinch Champions League football for next season

Unai Emery's side make history by securing fourth spot in the Premier League

Aston Villa are back in the Champions League for the first time since the 1982-83 season after securing a top-four finish in the Premier League.

A 2-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday afternoon guaranteed Villa's place in Europe's elite club competition next season.

Villa had to come from behind to win the game after Son Heung-min had given Tottenham an early lead. But goals from Ollie Watkins and Philippe Coutinho secured the three points for the visitors.

The victory was Villa's fourth in a row and extended their unbeaten run to seven games. It also moved them up to fourth in the table, three points ahead of fifth-placed Manchester United with just one game remaining.

Villa's qualification for the Champions League is a major achievement for the club and manager Unai Emery. It is the first time that the club has finished in the top four of the Premier League since the 1982-83 season.

Emery has transformed Villa's fortunes since taking over as manager in October 2022. The Spaniard has guided the club to 16 wins in 28 Premier League games, including victories over Arsenal, Tottenham and Manchester United.

Villa's return to the Champions League is a testament to the hard work and dedication of Emery and his players. It is also a major boost for the club's finances and will help to attract top players in the future.

Villa will now be hoping to finish the season strongly and secure a place in the Champions League group stages. They face a trip to Arsenal on the final day of the season.