Aston Villa tightened their grip on a Champions League qualification spot with a dominant 2-0 victory over West Ham at Villa Park. John McGinn’s clinical 20-yard strike in the first half set the tone, while Ollie Watkins’ poacher’s instinct converted a late chance to seal the win. This result propelled Villa five points clear of Liverpool in the race for fifth place, ending their three-game losing streak and signaling a resurgence under Unai Emery.

West Ham, meanwhile, face mounting relegation fears after missing a critical opportunity to escape the bottom three. Villa’s improved form contrasts sharply with the Hammers’ struggles, with their defense exposed by Mavropanos’ rare errors and Onana’s misplaced tackle gifting Morgan Rogers a decisive chance. Emery’s side now appear locked in for European football, while West Ham’s season hangs in the balance.