Villa swat aside Spurs to move into top five

Aston Villa boosted their hopes of a Champions League spot with a comfortable victory over Tottenham Hotspur.

An eighth win in nine Premier League games lifted Unai Emery's side into fifth place, behind Newcastle and Chelsea on goal difference, but a point above Manchester City.

They claimed the opener just before the hour mark when John McGinn's corner was headed down by Ollie Watkins into the path of Ezri Konsa who slotted in from close range.

Boubacar Kamara made sure of the victory, scoring his first Premier League goal with a low, drilled 73rd-minute finish past Spurs keeper Antonin Kinsky.

McGinn also fired an effort narrowly wide in a commanding Villa performance.

They now have to win their final game of the season at Manchester United and hope other results go their way to seal a top-five finish.

Ange Postecoglou's injury-hit Spurs side had little to offer in response and remain fourth from bottom as they turn their attention to the Europa League final against Ruben Amorim's United on Wednesday, 21 May.

The hosts dominated the first half but couldn't find a way past an impressive Kinsky in the Tottenham goal.

Morgan Rodgers' deft header was pushed past the post along with a Watkins cross, while Marco Asensio's curling strike drifted narrowly wide.

The home fans were audibly frustrated, but they were soon joyous when Konsa turned home and Kamara's thumping low drive sealed a huge three points.

A third season of European football will be coming to Villa Park, but their competition fate will be decided on the final day.

Whatever the outcome, it has been another season to be proud of under Emery's leadership as he oversaw a 54th victory in his 100th league game as Villa boss.

At the final whistle, there were emotional scenes when keeper Emiliano Martinez appeared to leave the pitch in tears while waving to fans in the last home match of the season.

With several key players missing through injury or rested, and their focus on a season-defining Europa League final on Wednesday (20:00 BST), Spurs struggled to create opportunities as they suffered their 21st defeat of a disappointing league campaign.

They have failed to win any of their last six Premier League games and 25 defeats is now their joint-highest in all competitions since the 1991-92 season.

A bright spark for Spurs was the return of captain Son Heung-Min after being sidelined for the last month with a foot injury.

He had one clear run at goal, but fluffed his shot, and was unable to bend another effort into the top corner after latching on to Wilson Odobert's pass.

French winger Odobert's clever improvised backheel almost caught Martinez off guard, but the Argentine keeper saw it just in time to make a vital save.

In another injury worry for Spurs boss Postecoglou, midfielder Pape Sarr looked to be wincing as he was withdrawn in the second half.

Source: BBC Sport