ASTON VILLA blared out the Champions League anthem after their win over Liverpool sealed their spot in next year’s competition – and left the Reds facing an anxious battle to qualify.
Unai Emery‘s side stormed into a 4-1 lead before Virgil van Dijk scored his second of the night, which proved to be nothing more than a consolation.
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Aston Villa confirmed Champions League qualification on Friday night Credit: Reuters
The iconic Champions League anthem played in the stadium after the game Credit: Reuters
To rub salt in their opponents’ wounds, Villa played the iconic Champions League anthem out of the stadium loud-speakers at full-time to extend Liverpool’s misery beyond full-time.
Liverpool are yet to confirm a place in next year’s competition and after dropping a place this evening, there’s still a chance they drop out of the top five entirely.
The Reds – who weren’t helped by Dominic Szobozlai’s Gerrard-esque slip – are four points clear of sixth-placed Bournemouth, who have a game in hand.
The Cherries host title chasers Manchester City in what is now a high-stakes clash for both teams.
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Szoboszlai does best Gerrard impersonation as horror slip sees Villa score
A Bournemouth victory could win the title for Arsenal if they manage to beat Burnley on Monday night and send the race for Champions League football down to the final day.
A draw probably wouldn’t be enough for Andoni Iraola’s side as they are six worse than Liverpool on goal difference.
And a Man City win would take the Premier League title race to the final day – Pep Guardiola‘s challengers are currently two points off Arsenal.
So it’s a must-win game for both teams, with one scenario potentially giving Liverpool a nervy final day of the season.
Arne Slot and Liverpool will be cheering on Manchester City on Tuesday night Credit: EPA
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Brentford’s visit to Anfield suddenly could be much more about the result than waving goodbye to club legend Mohamed Salah.
Salah also called for the club to give a proper send-off to former captain Jordan Henderson, who now plays for Brentford.
Arne Slot’s future would surely be under serious consideration if Liverpool were to go on and finish sixth.
Several Reds fans seem to want their title-winning manager gone just a year after he delivered the biggest prize in English football, regardless of whether they qualify for the Champions League.
