BIRMINGHAM, England — Aston Villa and Chelsea gained house video games and reinforced their hopes for a top-five Premier League end and a spot in subsequent yr’s Champions League on Friday.
Ezri Konsa and Boubacar Kamara scored and gave Villa a 2-0 win over an under-strength Tottenham Hotspur, and Chelsea overcame a stuffy Manchester United 1-0 due to a second-half function from Marc Cucurella.
The outcome left Chelsea in fourth with 66 issues, and Villa in 5th on function distinction.
The different groups combating for one of the crucial 4 Champions League spots after league winner Liverpool all have two video games left to play.
Arsenal has 68 issues, Newcastle 66, Manchester City 65, and Nottingham Forest 62.
On a annoying evening at Villa Park, the house aspect had the easier of the play however used to be compelled to attend till the 59th minute to get the opener.
Ollie Watkins urged John McGinn’s nook again throughout function and an unmarked Ezri Konsa grew to become within the ball.
Boubacar Kamara doubled the lead with a low force from the threshold of the penalty house. It used to be his first Premier League function in his 69th sport.
“We knew today was a must win,” the Frenchman instructed broadcaster Sky Sports. “We want to play Champions League football again. … We had a taste of it this season and us as players it’s a competition you want to play in.”
Villa’s ultimate fit is in opposition to Man United at Old Trafford on May 25.
Friday’s win used to be Villa’s 8th in its ultimate 9 league fits and prolonged its unbeaten house run to 21 video games in all competitions, its easiest since 1977.
Meanwhile, at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea aroused from sleep after a lifeless first half of when Spanish defender Cucurella headed house Reece James’ go after 71 mins.
Spurs and Man United went into the fits with one eye on subsequent week’s Europa League ultimate.
Both coaches rested some common starters and were given in the course of the evening with none new harm worries.
Both of Friday’s fits had been introduced ahead by means of 48 hours to permit the edges extra time to organize for the general on Wednesday in Bilbao.