“Big Mistake, so hard to take”- Aston Villa Manager Unai Emery Furious as VAR Controversy decides final Champions League spot
Champions League Joy for Chelsea and City, Heartbreak for Villa and Forest on Final Premier League Day
Former Champions League winners Chelsea and Manchester City secured their places in next season’s competition, while Newcastle United narrowly claimed the final spot.
However, disappointment reigned in the Midlands as both Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest missed out.
With the Premier League title and relegation already decided, the spotlight on the final day of the season turned to the high-stakes battle for European qualification.
When the dust settled, Liverpool (champions), Arsenal (runners-up), Manchester City, Chelsea, and Newcastle confirmed their spots in Europe’s elite club tournament. They’ll be joined by Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham Hotspur, who qualified by winning the Europa League.
Villa’s Agony at Old Trafford
Aston Villa experienced the cruelest blow, edged out on goal difference by Newcastle after a contentious 2-0 defeat at Manchester United.
Villa are set to lodge a formal complaint with the Premier League regarding referee Thomas Bramall, whose controversial decision could cost the club an estimated $200 million in Champions League revenue.
Villa were holding their own despite losing goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez just before half-time, but Amad Diallo’s goal in the 76th minute put United ahead. Moments earlier, Villa had a goal from Morgan Rogers disallowed, as Bramall ruled the ball had been kicked out of United keeper Altay Bayindir’s hands before it crossed the line. Since the whistle was blown before the ball entered the net, VAR could not intervene.
Christian Eriksen added a second from the penalty spot, sealing Villa’s fate.
Villa boss Unai Emery was visibly furious and confronted the referee at full-time, calling it “a big mistake.” Captain John McGinn echoed his frustration:
“It’s incredible. Everyone wants the right decisions with VAR, but this rule is so hard to accept with so much at stake.”
Villa’s formal complaint is expected to focus not just on the call but on Bramall’s inexperience in handling high-pressure fixtures.
Chelsea Edge Forest, Newcastle Sneak In
Chelsea’s trip to Nottingham Forest was a direct shootout for qualification, and the Blues edged it 1-0 thanks to a decisive strike by Levi Colwill early in the second half. Forest, who had occupied the Champions League spots for much of the season, were left heartbroken.
Despite a 1-0 home defeat to Everton, Newcastle still managed to clinch the final Champions League berth thanks to Villa’s misfortune.
Routine for City, Late Drama Elsewhere
Manchester City secured a comfortable 2-0 win over Fulham to seal their spot, with Ilkay Gundogan and Erling Haaland on target.
Liverpool needed a late goal from Mohamed Salah—his 29th of the campaign—to salvage a 1-1 draw at home to FA Cup winners Crystal Palace, who led through Tyrick Mitchell.
Arsenal also left it late, with substitute Martin Ødegaard scoring an 89th-minute winner to seal a 2-1 victory at already-relegated Southampton. Earlier in the day, Southampton confirmed Will Still as their new manager as they prepare for life in the Championship.
Meanwhile, Tottenham looked to be suffering a Europa League hangover, falling 4-1 at home to Brighton despite already confirming their Champions League place via their European title.
