Aston Villa returned to the Premier League after three years away. Villa secured their return as goals from Anwar El Ghazi and John McGinn earned a 2-1 victory over Frank Lampard’s Derby side in the Championship playoff final at Wembley Stadium.
A year after losing in last season’s play-off final, Villa made sure that last year’s painful memories would not happen again. Dutch international Anwar El Ghazi scored for the Birmingham club just before halftime, while Derby goalkeeper Kelle Roos bungled a save in the 59th minute that allowed John McGinn to head the ball out of his hands for the second goal.
With so much at stake, this was always going to be a day of fine margins, yet it seemed as though Villa handled the tension around the occasion better than Derby, who never played with any real conviction until they were two goals down and chasing the game.
Although Lampard’s three substitutions helped to shift the momentum a little and Derby’s late pressure was rewarded with a consolation goal in the 81st minute when Marriott’s shot flicked off Martyn Waghorn. Nothing was going to spoil Villa’s day, it was too little too late.
For Derby, it was another heartbreaking trip to the play-offs. Their wait for top-flight football now stretches to 11 years, and they will play in the Championship again next season.
Aston Villa sealed the win in front of one of their famous fans – The Duke of Cambridge Prince William. Prince William and former player John Carew hugged one another in the stands celebrating their team’s win and promotion.
The Duke of Cambridge previously told BBC Sport he decided to support Aston Villa while at school because he wanted to be different to his friends who followed the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea.
He instead opted for a “middle of the table” side that would give him “emotional rollercoaster moments” and a team he could connect with.
We wish Aston Villa all the best next season in the premier league.
