Aston Villa narrowly avoids embarrassment as Lucas Digne scores a last-minute goal to secure a 3-2 victory over Luton Town, who almost staged a comeback.
In a thrilling match, Aston Villa secured a crucial 3-2 victory over Luton Town, thanks to a last-minute winner from substitute Lucas Digne. The win has boosted Villa’s chances of finishing in the top four.
Villa started the game strongly, with Ollie Watkins opening the scoring in the 24th minute after heading home from a corner. Watkins then doubled Villa’s lead just before half-time with a well-taken goal from Douglas Luiz’s quick free kick.
However, Luton fought back in the second half and managed to pull one back through Tahith Chong on 66 minutes. The hosts then completed a sensational comeback when Morris scored a stunning volley to level the scores.
But Villa had the last laugh as Digne snuck in at the death to nod home the winning goal. The result sees Villa consolidate their position in fourth place, five points clear of Tottenham.
Luton, on the other hand, missed an opportunity to climb out of the relegation zone and remain four points adrift of safety in 18th place.
Looking ahead, Villa face a big week with a UEFA Europa Conference League match against Ajax on Thursday, followed by a crucial clash against Tottenham on Sunday. Luton’s next game is against Crystal Palace next Saturday.
This victory marks an exciting time for Villa as they continue to push for success on both domestic and European fronts. The upcoming week presents significant moments in their season, with a chance to progress in Europe and strengthen their bid for a Champions League spot.
For Luton, it was another painful defeat, but their fighting spirit remains intact. To improve their chances of survival, they need to stop giving opponents an early advantage.
The player of the match was Ollie Watkins, who had a lively display and terrorized the Luton defense in the first half. Watkins’ goals were crucial in securing the victory for Villa, and he continues to be one of the most influential players in the Premier League this season.
Player ratings for Luton Town:
– Kaminski (8)
– Bell (n/a)
– Burke (6)
– Mengi (6)
– Kabore (6)
– Barkley (8)
– Doughty (8)
– Townsend (6)
– Morris (8)
– Chong (8)
Subs:
– Ogbene (7)
– Hashioka (7)
– Mpanzu (n/a)
Player ratings for Aston Villa:
– Martinez (7)
– Cash (7)
– Konsa (7)
– Lenglet (7)
– Moreno (7)
– McGinn (8)
– Tielemans (7)
– Luiz (8)
– Bailey (8)
– Watkins (9)
– Ramsey (7)
Subs:
– Rogers (7)
– Digne (8)
– Iroegbunam (6)
– Diaby (7)
– Zaniolo (6)
In the match highlights, Watkins scored Villa’s first goal with a powerful header from a corner. He then doubled Villa’s lead with a composed finish from Luiz’s quick free kick. Chong pulled one back for Luton, and Morris leveled the scores with a stunning volley. But it was Digne who had the final say, nodding in a cross from Diaby to secure the victory for Villa.