Aston Villa significantly enhanced their prospects of securing a Champions League qualification spot with a convincing 2-0 Premier League victory over Tottenham Hotspur at Villa Park on Friday, May 16, 2025. Goals from Ezri Konsa and Boubacar Kamara propelled Unai Emery’s side into fifth place, while an injury-affected Tottenham appeared to have their focus firmly on next week’s Europa League final.
After a first half dominated by the hosts but kept goalless largely due to an impressive performance from Tottenham goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky, Aston Villa broke the deadlock just before the hour mark. John McGinn delivered a corner which Ollie Watkins headed down into the path of Ezri Konsa, who slotted home from close range. Boubacar Kamara then sealed the victory in the 73rd minute with his first Premier League goal, a well-struck low drive past Kinsky.
The win, Aston Villa’s eighth in their last nine Premier League matches, moves them level on points with Newcastle United and Chelsea (though behind on goal difference) and one point clear of Manchester City. To secure a top-five finish, Villa must win their final game of the season away at Manchester United and rely on other results falling in their favour.
The match also marked a significant milestone for manager Unai Emery, who oversaw his 54th victory in his 100th league game in charge of Aston Villa. In what was Villa’s last home game of the season, goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez appeared emotional as he acknowledged the fans.
For Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham, who were without several key players due to injury or being rested, the defeat was their 21st of a difficult league campaign. They remain winless in their last six Premier League fixtures and their total of 25 defeats in all competitions is now their joint-highest since the 1991-92 season. A notable positive for Spurs was the return of captain Son Heung-Min, who had been sidelined for a month with a foot injury, though he was unable to convert a clear opportunity. There was a fresh injury concern for Tottenham as midfielder Pape Sarr was withdrawn in the second half appearing to be in discomfort, ahead of their Europa League final against Manchester United on Wednesday, May 21.
The result underscores Aston Villa’s strong late-season charge for European football, while Tottenham’s domestic struggles continue as they prioritise their upcoming continental final.
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