- Aston Villa 4-2 Liverpool FT
- Morgan Rogers (41′), Ollie Watkins (57′, 73′), John McGinn (89′)
- Virgil van Dijk (52′, 92′)
Aston Villa march on towards the Champions League after a fantastic 4-2 victory over fellow top-five contenders Liverpool in their final home game of the 2025/26 season. Istanbul awaits them next.
Villa started brightly, attempting to transition quickly to exploit the space through the middle of Liverpool. Ollie Watkins had a chance inside the opening minutes, but couldn’t get enough power on his shot to trouble Giorgi Mamardashvili.
But the Reds grew into the game, and started to look threatening. Rio Ngumoha was their brightest spark, driving energy into their team, and causing a couple of problems for Matty Cash. However, they did look vulnerable on the break.
It was in the 41st minute when the deadlock was broken. A calculated corner routine, clearly orchestrated by set-piece coach, Austin MacPhee, saw Lucas Digne find Morgan Rogers in space inside the box. He took a touch to open himself up, and then placed the ball into the far corner to take a one-goal lead into the break.
Liverpool equalised early on in the second half. A soft free-kick was given on the right-hand side, which Dominik Szoboszlai curled in for Virgil van Dijk to head past Martínez. Matty Cash felt he was fouled in the build-up, but he went down far too easily for the goal to be overturned.
Moments later, Villa pounced on a slip by Szoboszlai, which saw Rogers collect the ball and pass into Watkins. The striker managed to hit his shot first-time into the corner to retake the lead for the Villans, and score his seventh goal against Liverpool.
Emi Buendía rattled both the bar and post not long after. He whipped an outstanding shot over Mamamardashvili, who was saved by the woodwork.
Villa’s then scored a third after a scramble from a corner. Youri Tielemans fired a volley from outside the box, giving Pau Torres a chance from just yards out. Mamamardashvili made the save, but Watkins converted the rebound.
Then towards the end of the game, John McGinn added his tenth goal of the season. The Scot cut inside from the right and placed it into the top corner, before Van Dijk reduced the Reds’ deficit with his second of the match.
The Villans can now turn their full attention to their Europa League final on Wednesday, where they’ll compete for European glory, and hope to end their 30-year wait for a trophy
Here are ReadAstonVilla’s full-time ratings:
Emi Martínez – 7
Made some comfortable saves. Couldn’t do much about either goal. His distribution is so valuable to the team.
Matty Cash -7
Marshalled Ngumoha well, despite the threat he posed. Should have done better defending the free-kick that led to van Dijk’s header. Wasn’t involved too much in attack due to Villa targeting the central areas.
Ezri Konsa – 8
Another classy performance. Makes it look so easy defending in one-on-one situations, and is always so relaxed on the ball. Won all of his ground and aerial duels, which seems to be the standard at the moment.
Pau Torres – 8
Like Konsa, he brings a calm presence on the ball. Defends a lot better than the credit he gets given. All-round top display from the Spaniard.
Lucas Digne – 8
Defended well, and got the assist for Rogers’ goal. Was able to get forward given the space in behind Liverpool’s defence. Overall solid display.
Victor Lindelöf – 7
Another composed performance alongside Youri Tielemans. Wasn’t on the ball too much due to Villa’s want to transition quickly, but did his job once again.
Youri Tielemans – 7
Seems to be a tad off the pace. Slightly slow into tackles and beaten on the ball a bit too easily, but did the task asked off him, perhaps struggling with fitness.
John McGinn – 8
Another captain’s performance tonight. Led from the front and scored a sensational goal towards the end of the game for Villa’s fourth
Morgan Rogers – 8
Much better showing from the 23-year-old. Well taken goal, and took advantage of Szoboszlai’s slip to set up Watkins for his second. Still a bit loose in possession, but for the amount of minutes he has played, it’s his goal threat which is so important.
Emi Buendía – 7
Chipping in with some good performances when Villa needs it most. Worked extremely hard defensively and his technical skill on the ball adds so much value to the attack.
Ollie Watkins – 9
Superb display. Six goal contributions in his last three games, including four goals and two assists. Incredible centre-forward play, and took his chances very well.
Subs:
Ross Barkley (for Victor Lindelöf, 45′) – 7
Came on at half-time and did his job. Completed 21/22 of his passes and battled hard in midfield. Very handy squad player to have.
Ian Maatsen (for Emi Buendía, 85′) – N/A
Douglas Luiz (for Youri Tielemans, 90′) – N/A
Jadon Sancho (for John McGinn, 90′) – N/A
