Unai Emery's Aston Villa saw their Champions League aspirations crumble in controversial fashion at Old Trafford - and the national media have had their say
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Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers (centre right) and team-mates react after referee Thomas Bramall disallows his goal
Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers (centre right) and team-mates react after referee Thomas Bramall disallows his goal
(Image: Martin Rickett/PA Wire)
The national media have delivered their verdict on Aston Villa's final day defeat to Manchester United which dealt a deathly blow to their Champions League hopes - and it wasn't without controversy, of course.
Unai Emery's side were defeated 2-0 thanks to goals from Amad Diallo and Christian Eriksen in the last 15 minutes at Old Trafford.
Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez was sent off in first half additional time after he clattered into United forward Rasmus Hojlund outside the penalty area in what could potentially have been his final Villa game.
But that wasn't even the biggest talking point, with Morgan Rogers scoring the game's first goal - or so they thought.
The England international looked to have pounced on an error from Altay Bayindir, who had struggled to gather the ball, scoring into an empty net.
However, referee Thomas Bramall had blew his whistle before the ball even crossed the line which meant VAR couldn't come in and overturn the on-field decision.
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Fury ensued and the Red Devils never looked back, going on to score the game's only two goals to leave Villa to finish sixth place in the Premier League.
Here's how the national media reported the goings-on at Old Trafford.
The Guardian
On 73 minutes here came a moment that Aston Villa argued afterwards might have cost them the bumper prize of Champions League football next season and its lucrative cash injection of millions, and which promoted an official complaint about why Thomas Bramall and not a more experienced referee was in charge.
A weak Harry Maguire header had Altay Bayindir scrambling to collect. As he did, Morgan Rogers prodded the ball from his clutches – the goalkeeper did not appear to have it under control – and the forward found the empty net.
Cue pandemonium because Bramall, a select group 1 official since 2022, had blown his whistle before the strike so the video assistant referee could not intervene – and so cue, too, Unai Emery and his players going ballistic at the referee and his officials as the match remained scoreless.
The Telegraph
From the first whistle to the last, United were the better team, even before the Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez was sent off for charging out of the penalty area and body-checking Rasmus Hojlund NFL-style on the cusp of half-time.
As frustrated as Villa were by referee Thomas Bramall’s controversial decision to penalise Morgan Rogers for a foul on the United goalkeeper Altay Bayindir in the 72nd minute, two late goals from Amad Diallo and a penalty for Christian Eriksen were the least the hosts deserved.
Daily Mail
Blaming it on the referee simply isn’t enough. Villa need to take a good look at themselves, having played as poorly as United did in Bilbao last Wednesday when their own Champions League dream disappeared following defeat in the Europa League final to Tottenham.
The shot count here was 25-6 in United’s favour, and 10-1 in shots on target. That solitary effort from Matty Cash came deep into injury-time, forcing Bayindir into his only save of note.
United hit the woodwork three times and had a goal of their own by Rasmus Hojlund disallowed for offside. They had enough chances before and after the decision to disallow Rogers’ goal to win far more comfortably.
So while Villa left Old Trafford under a cloud, United’s players headed off for a post-season tour of Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong last night after ending this worst-ever Premier League campaign with a first league win in three months.
The Sun
Even then a point may have been enough for Villa, who had sneaked into fifth place courtesy of Everton going ahead at Newcastle.
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But 15 minutes from the end, Bruno Fernandes floated a cross to the far post that cried out to be finished – and Amad Diallo’s header made sure it was.
To be fair, it was a lead United had merited in a game they had dominated long, long before they had a man advantage.
The brilliant Aston Villa merchandise that every fan will want to own
Aston Villa fans can celebrate the end of the season and their love of all things claret and blue in style by getting their hands on some limited edition merchandise.
We've taken a look at a few products in the Villa store for those wishing to add a bit of class to their bedroom, homes or maybe a home bar?
These products are available for a limited time and have that wow factor that would be the envy of any supporter.
The first product we spotted is the wonderful Aston Villa 'dream scene' painting.
It depicts the greats of Villa past and present with the likes of Unai Emery sharing a conversation with Ron Saunders, and Peter Withe sharing a joke with Gareth Barry.
The brilliant dressing room scene is available on a 130 x 43cm canvas and comes with a souvenir booklet. There were only 150 of these made to commemorate Villa's 150 year anniversary.
You can buy it here
If you want a cheaper alternative, you could try the 90 x 60cm lithos print of the same scene, again with the booklet and a limited edition piece.
You can buy that here
If you fancy a bit of fun and owning your very own Villa Park, you can with this construction model replica of the stadium.
Complete with club branding, this is fun to assemble and will be the perfect addition to your household or workplace.
You can buy it here
Maybe you'd like to construct a replica of the Villa players and staff bus that they travel to away games in? You can now purchase that from the club shop, by clicking here
Aston Villa adidas 150th Anniversary Shirt 24-25 (£55)
The aforementioned blacked-out anniversary kit has proven to be hugely popular with fans, particularly those who have noticed the subtle nods to Villa's history in the details.
Due to the high demand, the club store currently only has kids sizes 7 - 9 years old in stock at a price of £55. This item has an 'almost gone' tag on the site.
Buy here.
Aston Villa adidas 150th Anniversary Track Top - Claret (£70)
This long sleeve track top has also proven to be a popular pick amongst fans. The club store describes the jacket by saying:
"Before football players take the pitch for warmups, they answer questions from the media wearing an adidas jacket like this one."
Buy here.
Aston Villa 150 Year Anniversary Hoodie - Navy (£45)
Featuring a retro club badge, this hoodie is still available in all Mens' sizes on the club store, which describes the item by saying "Relax in style and comfort. Featuring the iconic club crest, this is an essential item for fans of all ages."
This item is also available in claret for both men and women, though only in sizes XL and S for women limited stock left.
Buy navy here and claret here.
Aston Villa 150 Years in Pictures Book (£25)
The first of two books available to purchase in Villa's 150th season. The describes the picture book as a way to "Celebrate the storied history of Aston Villa and their illustrious history spanning a century and a half with this premium-quality photo book."
Buy here.
Aston Villa 150 Years Book Volume Two (£40)
The long-awaited second volume moves Aston Villa's remarkable story forward – with the ups and downs between 1950 and 2024 given the same care and attention as the first volume.
Buy here.
Aston Villa 150 Year Anniversary Polo Shirt - White (£30)
"Represent your club wherever you go. Suitable for matchday and casual wear, the polo is perfect for fans of all ages."
This item is available in all sizes but XS on the club store and is also available for kids in claret at a higher price of £35.
Buy the mens' polo here and the kids' claret polo here.
Aston Villa 150 Year Anniversary T-Shirt - Claret and Navy (£25)
"Suitable for wearing on matchdays and beyond, this is a must-have for supporters of all ages. Perfect for walks with the dog, or when relaxing on holiday, the t-shirt allows you to proudly sport your pride and passion."
Buy mens' claret here, womens' claret here and navy here.
Aston Villa 150 Years Anniversary Scarf - Claret (£15)
"Take the love for your team with you. The scarf tops off your winter look, and is an essential item for supporters."
Buy the scarf here.
Aston Villa 150 Years Badge & Keyring Set - Boxed (£15)
Display the love for your team. Perfect for your hat or scarf, this is a must-have for fans of all ages.
Buy the set here.
Aston Villa 150 Years Mug - 11oz (£8)
"Start your day off right with a drink from this. Whether it's tea, coffee or hot chocolate this mug is perfect for fans to enjoy an exquisite beverage."
Buy the mug here.