Aston Villa

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Former boss Dean Smith believes Aston Villa are beginning a new era after reaching the Champions League.

The Charlotte FC head coach expects Unai Emery's side to consistently challenge for the top four now they have broken through.

Villa will play in the Champions League for the first time since it was rebranded from the European Cup after sealing fourth position in the Premier League earlier this week.

They most recently played in Europe's top club competition in 1982-83, having lifted the trophy in 1982, and Smith expects this to be a new dawn of challenging at the top.

"I believe it will because of the owners' (Wes Edens and Nassef Sawiris) passion and drive to become one of those teams who can be a top-six team every year," said Smith, who was in charge of Villa between 2018 and 2021 and led the club to promotion from the Championship in 2019.

"I remember when I first went for talks with Suso, Christian Purslow and the owners and there was a five-year plan to get into the Champions League. This is the fifth year and their plan has come to fruition.

"The owners had a vision, had to spend for what they wanted to do and going from the Championship to the Champions League in five years is an incredible achievement.

"I believed it was achievable. I said when we were promoted the next step was to stay up, and once we did, we spent our money really well, we brought in Ollie Watkins, Matty Cash, Bertrand Traore and Ross Barkley on loan.

"I always felt after finishing 17th in that first year [back in the Premier League], climbing six or seven places would be really achievable, which is what we did [finishing 11th in 2020-21]. The next step of climbing two or three places was going to be hard because you were trying to pass established clubs.

"You were always going to have to overtake one of them to get to that elite level. Unai has done unbelievably well."

Here are the key facts and figures before Sunday's game between Crystal Palace and Aston Villa in the Premier League.

• Crystal Palace have won more Premier League home games against Aston Villa than they have against any other opponent (seven), including six of their past eight against them at Selhurst Park.

• Following their 3-1 win against them in the reverse fixture - Aston Villa are looking to complete their first league double over Crystal Palace since 1980-81 - when they most recently won the English top-flight title.

• This will be the 12th time Crystal Palace have finished a top-flight season with a home match and they are unbeaten in their previous 11.

• Aston Villa have won just one of the 25 occasions they have finished a league season with an away game (D7 L17), with the one victory a 3-1 win against Chelsea in 2001-02.

An injury-time winner would have been the ultimate moment, allowing Villa to hammer the final nail into place themselves, but the way it happened was almost as good.

The players and staff were in the company of some of their supporters at the end of season awards as Tottenham were losing to Manchester City, sparking some modest revelry – there is still one more game to play after all.

Among the many images from Monday night decorating social media is a clip of John McGinn, called to the stage to give a captain’s address. As we have all seen this season, there is not much that fazes McGinn, the 'wee guy from Clydebank', as he describes himself, who has fought his way from a humble start to becoming one of the most influential players in the Premier League.

As he takes to the stage, external, a full-throated chorus of 'Super John McGinn' rings out. Suddenly, he appears awestruck by it all, like an astronaut arriving on the Moon, looking back at the Earth for the first time. How far he has travelled - and how fast.

Appropriately, he was standing with Tyrone Mings, and they are the best-placed to appreciate Villa’s journey. "We were at the club in the Championship," said McGinn, "us two, baby Jacob [Ramsey] and Kortney [Hause].

"We get into the Premier League and we were seven points behind with four games to play – we managed to stay in the League. We kept building and thankfully we've achieved something that we haven't done for 40 years."

A simple statement that measures the scale of the achievement – something that remained beyond Villa for decades, and seemed implausible as little as two years ago.

So, after the goals that launched a thousand headlines – if they do not get Duran Duran back in the Top 10 this week, nothing will – and after the party, now what? That is the thing about football – you arrive, but you never quite stop.

There must be time to take in and celebrate Villa’s achievement – that will be this week – and after Sunday, bodies and minds, even a mind as active as Unai Emery’s, will surely need a break.

But it will be short. Many of the players will soon be on national duty while Emery and his staff will be planning for August.

He, and Villa, have not come this far just to enjoy the view.

Crystal Palace v Aston Villa – live commentary from 16:00 on Sunday on BBC Radio WM (95.6 FM),

BBC Radio WM Football Phone-In, weeknights from 18:00 BST

Manchester United want to sign England striker Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa as the 28-year-old fits the profile of player they are looking to recruit. (Talksport), external

Despite qualifying for the Champions League Aston Villa will have to sell at least one player for a significant fee this summer to comply with Premier League Profit and Sustainability Rules. (Sun), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Thursday's full gossip column

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Aston Villa's Italy midfielder Nicolo Zaniolo has confirmed he will miss this summer's European Championships.

The 24-year-old had to be withdrawn less than 15 minutes after coming on as a substitute in Monday's 3-3 home draw with Liverpool with reports suggesting, external he has suffered a microfracture in his foot.

It means his loan spell at Villa has come to an end and he will return to parent club Galatasaray having made 39 appearances for Unai Emery's team, scoring three goals.

In a message on Instagram, external, Zaniolo expressed his disappointment at missing out on the tournament in Germany but said he is sure "that day will come".

We asked for your thoughts after Aston Villa qualified for the Champions League in what will be their first season in Europe's elite competition since 1983.

Here are some of your responses:

Andrew: Unai Emery is immense. A demanding and decent man who knows how much people love this club. His care for the players, attention to detail and respect for the fans are second to none. He gives us the best chance of success in the Champions League. I hope he stays forever.

Chris: Now the hard work starts. High-quality players need to be brought in and money should be wisely spent to avoid FFP further down the road.

Bex: Absolutely incredible. I’ve been a Villa fan all my life - I was only 12 when we were champions of Europe but I can remember the euphoria. I'm feeling something akin to that right now just at qualifying. I can’t wait for next season. UTV!

Mark: Emery has been incredible and is an absolute inspiration. However, let's not forget that the ambitious owners have had this planned for a while and, through excellent investment and planning, are making Villa a force. They won't stop here but the plan is working.

Stephen: With a small injury-ravaged squad to have finished in front of Man Utd, Chelsea and Spurs is a massive achievement. Imagine what they could have done without all the long-term injuries. Big times ahead finally for long suffering Villains, the sleeping giant is now wide awake! So pleased for Unai Emery, proved any doubters wrong, he is pure class.

Paul: A great milestone but it's not the same as winning a trophy. I would have been more satisfied with winning the ECL trophy and finish fifth to continue the steady building process. We ran out of steam this year and it will be playing against much harder teams. Villa deservedly finished fourth and should enjoy the satisfaction of a very good season.

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Former Aston Villa right-back Kenny Swain believes the club have set the standard for themselves and they need to continue to push on following their Champions League qualification.

Swain won the European Cup with Villa in 1982 and next season will be the first time the club has played in Europe's elite competition since 1983.

Swain said: "When others look at the history of English clubs there's only six who have won it - and I played for three of them." (Chelsea, Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa)

"Some may look at Aston Villa and think 'where have they come from?' We had all of that in 1981-82 when we were up against clubs thinking 'who are this lot?'

"If they look down the history of the club they will realise Villa are something - they have actually won it."

He added: "Even to stay in the top half of the Premier League takes some doing, to finish in the top five is an amazing achievement. If you can get into the top four and make that a consistent objective - that is the kind of objective Villa will be setting now.

"Maybe not winning the Premier League, although there is no harm in setting that as an objective - but to continue the progress they have made."

Villa manager Unai Emery has won four Europa League titles and he helped Villa get to the Conference League semi-finals this season. Swain believes that Emery's experience in Europe will be crucial, stating: "He has a different appetite for European football because he has been so successful.

"I'd rather be going into it with someone like that at the helm than someone who is licking their lips about their first chance."

"They (the players) failed at the last hurdle (this season) but the experience they’ve had this year and the suffering at the last moment - that drives your adrenaline. The experience will stand them in good stead for next year."

We asked our Aston Villa fan contributor for their four player of the season choices and you can now vote for your top one.

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Leon Bailey

What a turnaround it has been at Villa for the Jamaica international. After injury and erratic form under Dean Smith and Steven Gerrard, Bailey has transformed himself into Aston Villa's most dangerous attacker - 10 Premier League goals and nine assists in the competition makes him a huge contender.

Douglas Luiz

Even though his form has slightly dipped towards the end of the season, at one stage Luiz was arguably the best midfielder in the country. At his best, he is Villa's heartbeat and his nine and five league goals and assists respectively has seen him contribute hugely to Villa's excellent season.

Emiliano Martinez

The world's number one goalkeeper. It's often said a good goalkeeper gets you 10 to 12 points per season, well Martinez must have won those points twice over this season for Villa. A huge presence and his performances in the Europa Conference League quarter-final against Lille epitomised his stature for the team.

Ollie Watkins

What can you say about Ollie? Some 19 Premier League goals for Villa in a season, 13 league assists, 27 goals in all competitions - he has fully established himself as one of the best strikers in the top flight.

Honourable mentions

I could name so many but honourable mentions must go to captain John McGinn, Pau Torres and Ezri Konsa. All have had an excellent season and would be worthy of nomination.

Pick your 2023-24 Aston Villa player of the season from our shortlist here

Richard Sutherland can be found at The Villa Park Podcast, external

After Tottenham's loss to Manchester City confirmed Aston Villa's place in next season's Champions League, Villa fans we want to hear your reaction to qualifying for the tournament.

From being in the Championship in 2018-19 to hosting some of Europe's elite teams at Villa Park next season - what changed everything?

Is it the impact of Unai Emery or have some players reached a level you never expected them to?

Have your say here

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Aston Villa have confirmed France midfielder Morgan Sanson has completed a permanent move to Nice.

The 29-year-old has spent this season on loan at the Ligue 1 side - making 31 appearances in all competitions.

Sanson joined Villa in January 2021 from Marseille and made 23 appearances for the club - scoring one goal against Stevenage in the FA Cup in January 2023.

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Aston Villa will feature in Europe's premier club competition for the first time in more than four decades next season, after Tottenham's loss to Manchester City on Tuesday confirmed Unai Emery's side will play in the Champions League in 2024-25.

Frankie Maguire, from the All Villa No Filler podcast, told BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily: "What they've done in the short space of time that Emery has been there has been astonishing. I keep having to repeat it to myself - Aston Villa are a Champions League team.

"We came close a few times under Martin O'Neill and didn't quite break through, but to now be there and think we could be playing Real Madrid, Bayern Munich or teams like that - it's a dream."

He continued: "I'm already planning where I might potentially be going next season, on some glorious away days. It's just the thought of the Champions League music playing within Villa Park, which is incredible, and you take in the idea of PSR [profit and sustainability rules] and in that context it definitely helps there as well.

"It just puts us on another level as a club. It means other players will see Villa as a team that gets into the Champions League. I hope it's not just the peak, it's the start of a journey that someone like Tottenham went on 10 years ago, when they got to the Champions League and they got there regularly. It's going to be hard but it's something that hopefully Villa in the long term are going to aim for."

Listen to more reaction on BBC Sounds

Aston Villa are keen to sign Spanish midfielder Gabri Veiga after the 21-year-old Al-Ahli player indicated he is eager to head back to Europe in the summer. (Givemesport), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Wednesday's full gossip column

Aston Villa's frenetic encounter with Liverpool ended up as the draw that felt like a win after a dramatic late comeback put them on the brink of the Champions League.

Manager Unai Emery and his players looked to be leaving the door ajar for Tottenham to beat them to the coveted place in the top four when they trailed 3-1 with five minutes left.

And then came a chaotic finale and two goals from substitute Jhon Duran that gave them a crucial point to leave Spurs having to beat reigning champions and title chasers Manchester City at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Tuesday night to keep their hopes alive.

It was an ecstatic Emery who took to the Villa Park turf after the final whistle, grabbing the microphone in front of The Holte End to deliver a rousing: "Up The Villa".

Villa provided the sort of Hollywood ending watching fan Tom Hanks loves and now they will be hoping to complete the storyline on an outstanding season under Emery's guidance.

The club have had a remarkable rise under the Spaniard with an elite CV of success. If Emery takes Villa into the Champions League, it will be the sixth club he will have led in the tournament.

It would complete a remarkable transformation at Villa since Emery succeeded Steven Gerrard in October 2022 and deliver another signal that this great old club is truly on the rise once more.

Read Phil McNulty's Villa Park analysis

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Unai Emery was full of praise for 20-year-old substitute Jhon Duran after he scored two late goals to stage a perfect comeback against Liverpool at Villa Park.

After earning another crucial point in their bid for Champions League football next season, Emery said: "He is very young - 20 year old. His potential, it is impossible to predict how far he is going to get.

"I believe in him. It is different football in Colombia. Tactically, the football is very different in the Premier League.

"We are working with him a lot. I know he is going to score, get chances and use his power.

"His potential is clear, but we need to manage him as a young person.

"But today I am very happy with how he helped us, because this is the consequence - we drew."

Duran joined Aston Villa from Chicago Fire in January 2023 for a fee of £18m, becoming Emery's second signing at the club.

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Former midfielder Ian Taylor says Aston Villa fans are "pinching themselves" as the club closes in on a Champions League place.

"18 months ago you would have never ever seen this coming," Taylor said talking on BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast.

Villa drew 3-3 with Liverpool on Monday to edge closer to Champions League qualification, an achievement many have put down to the influence of manager Unai Emery.

Taylor says Emery is "absolutely unbelievable" and Villa are "really lucky to have him".

"Villa fans are just enjoying the ride at the moment, we had the disappointment last week in the Conference League but we've got an amazing prize now ahead of us that would set us up for the near future," Taylor said.

Villa scored two late goals to come back from 3-1 down to draw with Liverpool on and speaking about on the match Taylor said: "What a game - we showed some amazing character.

"To concede an early goal in the first half and an early goal in the second half, many teams would've crumbled against Liverpool but we kept going and got our rewards in the end.

"If we had our shooting boots on - we could've won that game."

Taylor continued his praise of Emery and said: "The turnaround since he came in has been unreal. We've only made a couple of signings.

"He doesn't mention the injury situation. We've had as many injuries if not more than a lot of other teams who have been complaining.

"We are limping over the line but the character in the team has been unbelievable."

You can listen to the whole interview from 1:25:52 here

We asked for your views on Monday's 3-3 draw between Aston Villa and Liverpool.

Here are some of your answers.

Aston Villa fans

Jon: Nervous and just lacking that killer instinct in front of goal. Emi's mistake totally stunned the crowd and we were left bewildered! However, the two goals from Duran Duran sent the crowd wild! Great game.

Gary: A side playing almost on memory. They were dominated by Liverpool and got pretty lucky. All of the brilliant work has been put in before now.

Theo: Good result in the end, but defensively we weren't at it. I think if Tielemans stayed on we'd have won, but fair play to Chambers and Duran for changing the game. Even more credit to Unai Emery for making the changes to get back into the game. Onto Palace and let's secure Champions League football!

Marco: We showed a lot of nerves tonight right from the off. We've looked exhausted and with a pile of injuries I didn't think we would get anything from this or the Palace game but credit to the Villa boys, it could have ended 6-6.

Liverpool fans

Paul: Heavy metal football - exciting, intense, attractive for sure, but trophies is what counts and at the end of this nine-year love affair, one Premier League, one Champions League and an FA cup is the same as what City did last season. Defence is key and to concede 44 goals in a season is not acceptable. In the 1978-79 season we conceded 16 in 42 games!

Will: Another unconvincing display. On top for long periods and then losing control by making wrong choices. Allison is too casual with the ball at his feet allowing opponents to pressurise him and rush poor passes out to defenders giving them problems. Making four subs at the same time - same as against Spurs - proved once again to break our rhythm. Not great.

David: Liverpool played the last 20 minutes with the Euros and the beach in mind - scared of getting injured and not wanting to give 100% effort. Villa upped their game and Liverpool didn't want to respond. Once again, Salah played with very little interest or desire. Played like a man who knows his time is up at Liverpool. Roll on next season.

Ray: Yet another game where Klopp's substitutions have made the team worse. It's a worrying trend that started during the United cup game. Both sides great going forward but woeful defensively and they're supposedly the third and fourth best teams in the league.