Aston Villa

Image source, Getty Images

Former Celtic manager Neil Lennon on BBC Radio 5 Live: "Villa have made small steps in the right direction.

"If they make Champions League football by finishing fourth then they will surely invest in the summer, they are a little light for where they want to get to at the moment.

"It has been a great campaign but they have come up short against a great team tonight."

Aston Villa captain Rachel Corsie added: "It just probably wasn't quite good enough. They will feel that the most, they have set their own standards this season.

"A lot of the players on the the pitch have played a lot of minutes. That is not an excuse, it is just a reality. You could see how tired they were at the end.

"Maybe it was a little naive to be expansive and go for it straight off the bat. You don't want to give a goal away early in a game you are already two behind in.

"In that final third it just wasn't quite good enough. They will be really, really disappointed. At the same time they have had a fantastic season and they have two games still to go, they will want to finish on the right note.

"I'm sure the manager will pick them up. They will get home, look after themselves and each other over the next few days and they are going to have to find a way to turn up at the weekend."

Joe Rindl
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

Aston Villa were hoping to reach their first European final since Tony Barton's team won the European Cup in 1982.

Instead, their Europa Conference League run came to a miserable end at the semi-final stage with a 6-2 aggregate defeat at the hands of Olympiakos.

The Premier League outfit started on the front foot but were caught out on the counter-attack as the hosts went into a three-goal lead in the tie with their first attack of the night.

Unai Emery's side dominated possession for the rest of the match but lacked composure in the final third.

Indeed, the semi-final was already over by the time Olympiakos added a late second.

Villa's wait for a first major trophy since the 1996 League Cup, and a first European title in 42 years, continues.

But they could still end their season on a positive note. Villa need just three points from their final two Premier League games to ensure qualification for next season's Champions League.

It has been a poor seven days for the Villains in what could still be a brilliant season.

Image source, Getty Images

Aston Villa boss Unai Emery speaking to TNT Sports: "We got to be in Europe at the end of last season and this year we enjoyed it, but to win is very difficult and we are in the process [of developing].

"They [Olympiakos] deserve to be in the final. We lost it in the first 90 minutes at home and we were not competitive. We started this first half well, they scored but we controlled the game, but we were not clinical.

"This is an experience for us at Aston Villa after a long time [of not being in Europe] and again we are going to compete in Europe next year.

"Of course we are a little bit disappointed, a little bit frustrated but we have to move on quick. We started the first leg and maybe we were favourites but after the first leg we weren't.

"We have to try to finish the season and for it to be very amazing [by qualifying for the Champions League]."

On how to bounce back after the past few results: "Firstly, get back to Birmingham. Then tomorrow rest and Saturday we focus on the match on Sunday against Liverpool.

"We are motivated and excited for it. Yes, today we are disappointed but only one team can win, so for us to continue with the frustration doesn't make sense.

"My message is clear. Move on and we have to try and finish the season doing an amazing season, particularly if we manage to achieve the last objective. Even without it [Champions League] we are in Europe in the Europa League.

"We will go over what we have done in the last two legs against Olympiakos and try to learn and take positives from it, take the information from it. Take the experience. Recover, reset and move on."

Image source, Getty Images

Aston Villa captain John McGinn speaking to TNT Sports: "Believe it or not we actually started the game very well. The first half was a really good performance by us, but over the two legs [it is] very, very disappointing obviously.

"We went into this competition as favourites and we handle that throughout the competition. I think it has been a big learning curve for us. It's not been a smooth journey, we got to the semi-final and were down to the bare bones a wee bit. However, those of us that were out there across the two legs lost to the better team and the scoreline shows that.

On if injuries have caught up with the team: "Possibly, possibly. The manager drills into us that it is a no excuse environment. Listen, you want everyone available, you want your best players there. When you are in the trenches, someone you can turn to in order to change the game or do something different.

"Tonight I think the game plan was perfect in the first half. We've got to be really proud of how we played. The goal was extremely disappointing. The tie was unfortunately lost in the first leg - we didn't control the game or manage it well enough, the performance was poor.

"For us going into more European competition next season we need to learn how to manage moments a lot better. Of course we wanted to do better this year and get to a European final but we will do everything we can to get ourselves back into this position and get to a final. "

Aston Villa's Europa Conference League run ended at the semi-final stage as opponents Olympiakos set up a final with Fiorentina.

Having lost the first leg 4-2, Villa fell to a 2-0 defeat in Greece to lose their tie 6-2 on aggregate.

Ayoub El Kaabi - who scored a hat-trick in the first leg - opened the scoring in Piraeus, tapping in Marin Ruiz's low cross in the 10th minute against the run of play.

Unai Emery's side dominated possession but lacked composure in the final third.

And El Kaabi benefitted from a tight offside call to double his tally with eight minutes remaining by latching on to a long pass forward and burying a shot beyond Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.

Villa were hoping to reach their first European final since Tony Barton's team won the European Cup in 1982.

Instead, Olympiakos will play in their first European final at the home of rivals AEK Athens on 29 May.

Were you at the match or did you follow it from elsewhere?

How do you feel after the game, Villa fans?

Follow all of the reaction here

The team news for Aston Villa's Europa Conference League semi-final second leg is in, with less than an hour to go until kick-off at Karaiskakis Stadium.

Follow all the build-up and live text updates of the match here

Listen to BBC Radio 5 Live commentary on BBC Sounds

Image source, Getty Images

Nominees for the Premier League's manager of the season have been revealed:

• Mikel Arteta - Arsenal

• Pep Guardiola - Manchester City

• Jurgen Klopp - Liverpool

• Unai Emery - Aston Villa

• Andoni Iraola - Bournemouth

Voting is open now on the official Premier League website, external with the winner to be announced on Tuesday, 21 May.

Image source, Getty Images

The eight-man shortlist for player of the season has been released and supporters can vote on the Premier League website, external.

Here are those in the running:

• Declan Rice - Arsenal

• Martin Odegaard - Arsenal

• Phil Foden - Manchester City

• Erling Haaland - Manchester City

• Virgil van Dijk - Liverpool

• Ollie Watkins - Aston Villa

• Alexander Isak - Newcastle

• Cole Palmer - Chelsea

The winner will be revealed on Saturday, 18 May.

Mike Taylor
BBC Radio WM reporter

In the closing moments of Formula One races in the 1980s, it was a common sight to see slowing cars wobbling from side to side, Murray Walker making rather more noise than their engines. James Hunt would patiently explain that their strict fuel ration had been almost all used up, and the drivers were attempting to slosh last dregs from the tank to the engine, so they could creep past the chequered flag.

This image came to mind on Thursday night, as Unai Emery, arms whirring as if sawing at an imaginary steering wheel, sought to shake up his Villa team as they laboured to defeat against Olympiakos.

However, their engines only fired again briefly and, after another low-revs performance at Brighton on Sunday, you wonder if they have any more energy left.

"Now,” said Emery on Match of the Day, “the most important is to rest. Rest today, rest tomorrow.”

Fortunately, at the same moment, Tottenham appear to have parked up a few laps from home, Ange Postecoglou kicking the tyres in vain. It may be that Villa, even if reduced to coasting with a dead engine, will finish fourth in any case. It would be great to clinch it with a win, especially at home, but either way it will be due reward.

Writing on this page yesterday, My Old Man Said's David Michael felt some complacency may have set in. Only the players themselves ever really know, but that feels a slightly harsh judgement. Having shown such determination to come this far, it is hard to imagine this Villa team casually risking all they have earned. Sometimes there really is not anything left to give.

While the league finish is the most significant outcome of the season - as even Emery, the great Euro-tournament-phile, has conceded - there will be a sense of regret if Villa do not recover in their Conference League semi-final tomorrow night.

Last Thursday’s result was a genuine upset, even though Olympiakos fully merited their win - but shocks are harder to achieve over two legs. The home fans will no doubt be hitting their rev-limiter as they welcome their team out in Piraeus tomorrow night.

But if Villa score first, then what? Emery will still be in the cockpit, wrestling the wheel, hoping to find one last drop of juice.

Full commentary of Olympiakos v Villa on BBC Radio WM from 20:00 BST on Thursday

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

Mark Mitchener
BBC Sport Senior Journalist

Image source, Getty Images

A lot of teams play their penultimate Premier League game of the season this weekend.

Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool have qualified for the Champions League. Aston Villa can finish no lower than fifth so will be in the Europa League at worst. Liverpool’s Europa Conference League place for winning the Carabao Cup reverts to the league and Sheffield United have been relegated.

But much is still to be decided.

Despite nobody being able to win the title just yet, here is what could happen...

Aston Villa can clinch the fourth and final Champions League place despite not playing until Monday:

• If Tottenham lose on Saturday, Villa qualify without kicking a ball;

• If Tottenham draw, Villa qualify if they draw with Liverpool on Monday;

• If Tottenham win, Villa qualify if they beat Liverpool.

Tottenham can ensure a top-five finish:

• If they win, Newcastle United lose and Chelsea and Manchester United both fail to win.

Failing that, Spurs can ensure a top-six finish - Europa Conference League at worst:

• If they win AND Chelsea and Manchester United both fail to win;

• If they win AND Newcastle lose AND one of Chelsea and Manchester United fail to win;

• If they draw AND Chelsea and Manchester United both lose.

The other two relegation places could also be settled this weekend.

Burnley will be relegated:

• If they fail to win at Tottenham on Saturday, whatever happens elsewhere;

• If Nottingham Forest win against Chelsea.

If Burnley win and Forest draw, the Clarets will be teetering and will need a huge swing in goal difference on the final day of the season when the two sides meet.

Luton Town are slightly better off than Burnley, but will be relegated:

• If they lose at West Ham AND Nottingham Forest avoid defeat;

• If they lose AND Burnley win, even if Forest lose;

• If they draw AND Forest win.

If Forest match Luton's result, the Hatters will be on the brink as they would need a big swing in goal difference on the final day.

Image source, PA Media

Former Scotland winger Pat Nevin expects Aston Villa will go all out to turn their Europa Conference League semi-final tie around in Greece.

Olympiakos won last week's first leg 4-2 at Villa Park, meaning Unai Emery's team must score at least twice to stand any chance of progressing to their first European final for 42 years.

Nevin told BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast: "They {Olympiakos] know they've got a two-goal lead from the away leg - you can only shoot yourselves in the foot. If Villa score an early goal, absolutely all of the pressure is on the home side.

"There's no suggestion they're going to hold off in any way or will be keeping some players back for the league. They're going for this hammer and tongs."

Listen to Football Daily on BBC Sounds

Aston Villa are confident they can beat Arsenal and Manchester United to the signing of French winger Michael Olise, 22, from Crystal Palace. (Football Transfers), external

Villa and Chelsea have been put off a deal for Athletic Club and Spain winger Nico Williams, 21, because of his wage demands. (90min), external

Finally, Stockport County are in talks with Aston Villa over a permanent deal for 20-year-old English forward Louie Barry, who helped the club win promotion to League One while on loan this season. (TEAMtalk), external

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

Nicola Pearson
BBC Sport journalist

Unai Emery has been speaking to the media before Aston Villa travel to Olympiakos in the second leg of their Europa Conference League semi-final on Thursday (20:00 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Emery said Villa have "some players close to coming back" but that he will wait until tomorrow to decide who is available to play.

• He said he did not want to reveal whether goalkeeper Emi Martinez will be ready to start and will speak with the doctor and player tomorrow to make the decision.

• If second choice goalkeeper Robin Olsen has to play, Emery said he has "all our respect", adding: "As a person he is very respectful. As a professional, he is an amazing character with us. It is hard to compete with the best goalkeeper in the world, but always he is ready, always he is positive and respectful with his situation."

• On whether he can use his previous experiences of coming from two goals down in European games: "Experience can always help you, being successful or not successful. We have to create and build a new way and we lost the first leg. Tomorrow will be difficult to come back but we must play thinking and understanding that after the first 90 minutes the game plan didn't work well and I'm expecting we will do better."

• On the importance of keeping their emotions in check: "Before the match, we are trying to analyse and respect the opponent and get our objective to not make mistakes. We made more than normal in the first leg... [It is] difficult for players to keep [their] emotions. They were excited and it changed in a minute. It is an important experience we have had and tomorrow we have to keep the balance."

• He said it has been "tough, difficult, but amazing" to be in their positions in the Premier League and Europa Conference League: "I told the players I want to enjoy more - today, tomorrow. I want to be motivated with how we can react tomorrow. I appreciate and I'm proud of what we did this year. Even if we [haven't] always [been] successful, the response has been fantastic."

Listen to full commentary of Olympiakos v Aston Villa on BBC Radio 5 Live from 20:00 BST on Thursday

Image source, PA Media

Douglas Luiz says he is "mentally strong" to take a penalty if required on Thursday evening as Aston Villa face Olympiakos in the second leg of their Europa Conference League semi-final.

The Brazil midfielder missed an 84th-minute spotkick against the Greek side during their 4-2 defeat in the first leg at Villa Park and is keen to make amends in the rematch at the Karaiskakis Stadium (kick-off 20:00 BST).

"I am the main taker and I know it is my responsibility," he said. "The one who takes is the only one who can miss.

"If we have another penalty, I will take it. I am mentally strong for that."

Villa have only picked up one point from their past two Premier League games and face a daunting task to overturn their two-goal deficit.

However Luiz, who has played a central role in an outstanding season for Unai Emery’s side, was resolute in his faith they could triumph in Piraeus.

"We are confident and believe we can win this game," said Luiz. "This is a huge game for Aston Villa as a club.

"This season has been great for us and we have played really good football. I am really grateful for everything Villa has done for me and I want to try my best to bring them to the final."

Full commentary of Olympiakos v Aston Villa on BBC Radio 5 Live from 20:00 BST on Thursday on BBC Sounds

David Michael
Fan writer

Opta gives Aston Villa a 95.7% chance of snatching the final Champions League place and you cannot help thinking that a certain amount of complacency is mixed with the fatigue of a long season for an injury-riddled Villa team.

Normally, in a competitive Premier League season in the upper echelons, fourth place gets at least 70 points. The past two seasons, both Newcastle and Spurs earned 71 points to finish fourth. In 2016-17, Arsenal finished fifth on 75 points, while a year later, Chelsea finished fifth with 70 points.

This season though, not many teams seem to want fourth. Manchester United faded as soon as spring started, while Spurs have lost their past four games.

All Villa had to do to secure fourth spot was beat a severely depleted Brighton team, who had not won for six games. However, they only registered two shots in the whole game, their fewest since 2016, on their way to a 1-0 defeat.

With their objective of fourth all but done, are they losing the adrenaline needed to compensate for tired limbs and minds?

They will certainly hope a returning Emi Martinez will fire them up on Thursday night, as they attempt a Houdini act to get into the Europa Conference League final.

Plus, they may need his help to get results in their remaining two league games to ensure they stride into the Champions League, rather than limp over the line.

David Michael can be found at My Old Man Said, external

We asked for your views on Sunday's match between Brighton and Aston Villa

Here are some of your answers:

Brighton fans

Jane: Much better than last week. Played faster and more positively. It is still a struggle to shoot [but] at last, a goal and a win!

Harry: Roberto de Zerbi may have a back-up game plan at last. We just need to build on this now and try to secure a top-half finish.

Bob: What a difference! We played with a lot of spirit and hopefully rekindled the art of winning. Villa looked tired after their midweek match and we certainly know that feeling after our exploits in Europe. Looking forward to our trip to the Magpies and hope the Seagulls will nick their chips.

Ed: A relief after a very lean patch, but we deserved the win, particularly with the offside knee decision. Too much negative speculation by some recently after a great first half of the season. We have an excellent squad, manager and amazing ownership. That hasn’t changed. We move forward.

Aston Villa fans

David: With a tired and threadbare midfield we're struggling, especially when teams overload the middle. Unai [Emery] needs to take a chance on [Tim] Iroegbunam. We're limping over the line but the players will regret anything they don't give over the next 14 days.

Steve: A very jaded performance. We looked second best to a team that we had loved playing over the last few seasons. Can't wait to have a squad able to cope with Europe and the Premier League. Thanks to Liverpool the European dream still shines, bur this was a day of low energy.

Ian: Very poor performance for a team competing for a Champions League place. The number of shots and corners could be counted on one hand. Need a bigger squad as players look jaded and sloppy on the ball.

Don: We are absolutely exhausted. I don't think we will get another point this season but thank you Unai for the best season in heaven knows how long.

BBC Sport's chief football writer Phil McNulty has been answering your questions on all things Premier League.

Lisa asked: Do you think Aston Villa are running out of steam and will they still qualify for next season's Champions League?

Phil answered: Yes. And Yes.

There is no doubt Villa's players are feeling the strain of a long and demanding season as well as coping with a lot of injuries to key players - as we have seen latterly with goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez - but I do think that seven-point cushion will be enough to keep a struggling Spurs side at bay.

I can't see them turning around a 4-2 deficit away to Olympiakos, although you never know, but I do see them clinching a top-four place and what an achievement that would be for Unai Emery and his players.

Image source, Reuters

Former Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha and QPR goalkeeper Asmir Begovic reflected on Brighton's 1-0 win against Aston Villa on Sunday's episode of the BBC's Football Daily podcast.

Onuoha said: "Brighton were deserving winners of this game. A few people probably overlooked them because of how bad they've been in recent weeks, but they were playing at home and they're a determined side.

"I'm not somebody that says a team could be looking ahead to a different game, but this performance from Villa seemed like one of a team that played on the Thursday and know they've got another game coming up on Thursday as well.

"Given how good they've been throughout this season, to have two shots on goal throughout the game - that's not the Villa we know. It's hugely disappointing from the Villa standpoint, but for Brighton, this was needed."

Begovic added: "It's been a magnificent season [for Villa] and they've got a massive second leg [against Olympiakos in their Europa Conference League semi-final]. They'll feel they can go to Athens and turn this thing around. Maybe Sunday's defeat will be good motivation for them to bounce back."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Mark Chapman introduces highlights and analysis from Sunday's three Premier League fixtures.

If you missed Match of the Day 2, you can catch up on the action on BBC iPlayer here.

And you can watch highlights of Friday and Saturday's games on Match of the Day here.

Listen back to Sunday's BBC Radio 5 Live match commentaries in full:

• Brighton v Aston Villa

• Liverpool v Tottenham Hotspur

Aston Villa are close to signing 28-year-old Atletico Madrid defender Mario Hermoso. (AS - in Spanish), external

Want more transfer news? Read Monday's full gossip column