Aston Villa qualified for the Europa Conference League on the final day of the scintillating 2022/23 Premier League season with a tense 2-1 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion.
Douglas Luiz’s early strike and Ollie Watkins’ first goal in seven matches were enough to earn the three points needed to secure seventh spot in the table. The Seagulls got one back through Deniz Undav and applied plenty of pressure in the second half but the Villans hung on for a famous win.
The emotions at Villa Park were like a violent rollercoaster as the scenes ahead of kick-off were electric, the roof nearly came off for Luiz and Watkins’ goals but silence took over for much of the tense closing stages.
An almighty upon the final whistle was enough to burst many an eardrum as Villa supporters felt the realisation of a first European qualification in 13 years. Unai Emery, who had been fairly composed up until that point, let out a huge cry of jubilation on the touchline and couldn’t wipe the smile off his face in the press conference afterward.
Here are 17 brilliant photos of the Premier League final day scenes at Villa Park.
1. Arriving three hours early!
2. Inflatable lion floats above supporters
3. Brutal from this young fan!
4. The players walk out to an immense sight