Aston Villa head coach Unai Emery praised the Villa Park faithful after his side came from 3-1 down to draw against Liverpool in the Premier League.
It was a classic end-of-season matchup in the Midlands that saw the Reds go ahead thanks to Emiliano Martinez throwing the ball into his own net.
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Youri Tielemans equalised a few minutes later but Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool players took control of the match, netting twice more through Cody Gakpo and Jarrell Quansah.
However, a late brace from substitute Jhon Duran sent those in the stands – including Hollywood actor Tom Hanks – into a frenzy and pushed them one step closer to the Champions League next season.
“UP THE VILLA!” 😍 pic.twitter.com/39AF1y8vGs
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) May 13, 2024
Match point
After the game, Emery said: “We’ve enjoyed the season here, we’ve had a lot of emotions. This is for you, you were always supporting us, you were always supporting us.
“Today we didn’t finish. The last match is at Crystal Palace on Sunday… to get to the end, to play Champions League. This is very important. For us, the club, the players, for me.
“Today we are celebrating with our supporters, we have to push it and keep working and be consistent.
“We were consistent all the season. The team was being mature and always consistent in our mind. Inch by inch we did it.”
The result means Tottenham now have to win both of their remaining matches against Manchester City and Sheffield United and hope Villa lose at Crystal Palace on Sunday.
Any dropped points from Ange Postecoglou’s side will see Villa return to the Champions League for the first time since 1983.
