Jamie Carragher has launched a scathing attack on the Liverpool squad following their heavy 4-2 defeat to Aston Villa, branding the current side "physically and mentally weak." The Reds legend pulled no punches as he watched his former club's defensive frailties laid bare at Villa Park, leaving Arne Slot facing a mountain of questions regarding his future.
Arne Slot cut a frustrated figure at Villa Park as he attempted to explain another defensive collapse that has left Liverpool’s Champions League hopes hanging by a thread. The Reds boss admitted his side are making life far too easy for their opponents after a 4-2 defeat marked a staggering 20th loss of a miserable campaign.
Liverpool's disastrous title defence hit a new low on Friday night as they were thumped by Champions League-bound Aston Villa - a result that leaves their own hopes of qualification in jeopardy. The Reds were tormented by Ollie Watkins throughout, with the England striker bagging a brace and laying on another. The 4-2 defeat leaves Arne Slot's side fifth in the Premier League, four points clear of Bournemouth in sixth having played a game more.
Our expert offers his best Aston Villa vs Liverpool Predictions, Lineups, Odds & Tips as Villa seek to leapfrog Slot’s men into fourth place in the table (15/05/2026)
Harvey Elliott is ineligible to play for Aston Villa against parent club Liverpool on Friday night. But Unai Emery wouldn't have picked him anyway. And not to save him for next week's Europa League final against Freiburg. Elliott hasn't seen a single minute of game time since March because he's one appearance away from triggering the clause in his loan agreement that would oblige Villa to buy him for £35 million ($46m) - and they've absolutely no intention of allowing that to happen.
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has issued a candid apology to Harvey Elliott, admitting that the midfielder's temporary switch from Liverpool has become an "embarrassing" situation for all parties. Despite arriving with high expectations, the 23-year-old has found himself frozen out of the first-team picture due to complex contractual obligations.
Arne Slot has provided a definitive update on Harvey Elliott's future at Anfield following a frustrating loan spell at Aston Villa. The Liverpool manager confirmed that the young midfielder will rejoin the first-team squad for pre-season training after failing to secure regular minutes under Unai Emery.
Arne Slot has provided a significant fitness update ahead of Liverpool’s crucial Premier League encounter away at Aston Villa on Friday night. While talismanic forward Mohamed Salah is prepared to make his return following a two-match injury absence, the Reds may be forced to navigate the fixture without influential playmaker Florian Wirtz due to a sudden illness.
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has raised eyebrows by insisting he was "very happy" with his side's 2-2 draw against relegated Burnley on Sunday. The Spanish boss launched a passionate defence of his squad at Turf Moor, remaining steadfastly positive even as their pursuit of Champions League qualification hit a significant roadblock.
Benfica boss Jose Mourinho could be set for a sensational return to the Premier League, but not at former club Chelsea or Newcastle. Recent reports indicate that a new trophy-chasing contender has entered the frame to secure the services of the ‘Special One’ as he looks for his next challenge.
Prince William's passion for Aston Villa was on full display at Villa Park on Thursday night as he watched his beloved side secure a historic European result. The Prince of Wales could not contain his excitement as Unai Emery's men dismantled Nottingham Forest 4-0 to book their ticket to the Europa League final.
Our expert offers his best Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest Predictions, Lineups, Odds & Tips for their Europa League semi-final this evening (07/05/2026)
Aston Villa have work to do in the second leg of their Europa League semi-final clash with Nottingham Forest, but Tony Dorigo has told GOAL why Unai Emery can be an “incredible” ace up the Villans’ sleeve. The Spanish tactician is looking to land a familiar trophy for the fifth time in his coaching career, with Dorigo saying “if anyone can, he can” when it comes to bringing a 30-year wait for tangible success to a close in the West Midlands.
Nottingham Forest are facing an anxious wait over the fitness of star playmaker Morgan Gibbs-White ahead of their crucial Europa League semi-final second leg at Aston Villa. Having secured a 1-0 victory in the first leg, the club are dreaming of the final, but the midfielder's significant head injury against Chelsea leaves his participation at Villa Park in major doubt.
Chelsea are now out of the race for a top-five finish in the Premier League, but a narrow and unlikely route to the Champions League still exists. The Blues must climb to sixth in the Premier League - and hope Aston Villa deliver a crucial favour in Europe.
Manchester United are planning a significant restructure of their midfield as they look to future-proof the squad. The Red Devils have reportedly identified two of the Premier League's rising stars, West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes and Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers, as primary targets to lead the club into a new era.
Louis Saha has described Jadon Sancho as "the most disappointing signing in Manchester United history". The former Red Devils striker says the £73 million ($99m) winger’s failure to replicate his Borussia Dortmund form at Old Trafford remains a "mystery".
Real Madrid have reportedly added Aston Villa manager Unai Emery to their shortlist of candidates to take over the reins at the Santiago Bernabeu. The Spanish giants are beginning their search for a successor to Alvaro Arbeloa, whose tenure appears to be coming to an end as Los Blancos face back-to-back seasons without a major trophy.
Conor Gallagher heaped praise on Roberto De Zerbi after Tottenham hauled themselves out of the relegation zone with a 2-1 win at Aston Villa. The English midfielder claimed that "every player trusts" De Zerbi already, with the Italian coach having overseen two wins, one draw and one defeat in his first four games since replacing Igor Tudor.
Aston Villa
.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&width=3840&quality=60)
