English Premier League: Aston Villa shut out Liverpool, secure their Champions League qualification ticket for the upcoming season.

Aston Villa have secured qualification for next season's Champions League after beating Liverpool 4-2 in matchweek 37 of the Premier League at Villa Park, early Saturday morning WIB. This victory stands as a clear statement from Unai Emery's squad: they have rightfully earned their return to Europe's elite competition after delivering consistent performances across the entire season.

Villa's four goals came from Morgan Rogers, a brace by Ollie Watkins, and John McGinn. Liverpool could only respond with two strikes from Virgil van Dijk.

This result puts Villa in 4th position on the provisional league table with 62 points from 37 matches played.

In contrast, Liverpool dropped down to 5th place with 59 points after 37 fixtures.

This situation piles even greater pressure on The Reds, as they now hold just a four point advantage over Bournemouth who sit in 6th position.

Liverpool actually began the match aggressively. The visiting side took control of attacking momentum and even found the Villa net through Cody Gakpo, only for the goal to be ruled out by the referee for offside.

Dominik Szoboszlai then attempted a long range effort, but the Hungarian midfielder's shot was safely held by Aston Villa Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.

As Liverpool continued to push forward, Villa stole the lead just before the half time break. Morgan Rogers converted Lucas Digne's pass to put the hosts 1-0 up in the 42nd minute. This goal completely shifted the match momentum and ignited the full Villa Park crowd.

Following the restart, Liverpool fought back to equalise in the 52nd minute. Virgil van Dijk's powerful header beat Martinez, bringing the score to 1-1.

But Aston Villa responded immediately. Just five minutes later, Rogers turned provider as his pass was finished cleanly by Ollie Watkins. Villa reclaimed the lead at 2-1, forcing Liverpool to play with a much more open formation.

Watkins proved to be a nightmare for Liverpool's backline, as the England international striker scored his second goal of the night in the 73rd minute.

Villa extended their lead to 3-1. Watkins' clinical finish confirmed his deadly form as the primary attacking spearhead for Unai Emery's team this season.

Villa's dominance did not end there. In the 89th minute, John McGinn added his name to the scoresheet after connecting with a perfectly weighted pass from Watkins. With Villa now leading 4-1, the entire Villa Park stadium erupted into full celebration.

Liverpool pulled one goal back during stoppage time. In the 90+2nd minute, Virgil van Dijk converted Dominik Szoboszlai's cross to register his second goal for The Reds, bringing the final score to 2-4.

Despite continuing to press hard for the remaining moments of the match, Liverpool failed to score any additional goals.

Aston Villa held their lead until the final whistle, sealing this critical victory that confirms their return to the Champions League.