Aston Villa secure European spot with Ollie Watkins on target against Brighton

When the fixtures for this season were released, it was a song no one expected to hear on the final day at Villa Park. But as the celebrations began at the sound of the final whistle, supporters of both sides joyously launched into a most unlikely rendition. “We’re all going on a European tour,” they happily sang to one another.

Where Brighton’s first European venture in their 122-year history was assured prior to this match, Villa ensured they will join them on the continent courtesy of this hugely entertaining win. A campaign that initially looked to be dominated by thoughts of the Championship extraordinarily ended with a spot in the Europa Conference League – a first European involvement since 2010.

Named on the Premier League manager of the season shortlist this month, few bosses have had as unexpected an impact as Unai Emery, who took charge of a club languishing in the bottom five in November and bracing themselves for a long relegation fight. That he turned the campaign into one that yielded European qualification is staggering. To do so with almost entirely the same playing squad as his predecessor, Steven Gerrard, makes it even more remarkable.

In the likes of Jacob Ramsey, Tyrone Mings, John McGinn and Ollie Watkins, Emery has inspired repeated brilliance at Villa Park since taking the reins and all four men were pillars at the heart of this triumph.

Local boy Ramsey is living out his childhood dreams at the club he has supported all his life and his 22nd birthday celebrations on Sunday could not have been more joyous. He proved a constant nuisance and created both early Villa goals to kickstart this final-day party.

So scared were the Brighton defence of the Lionel Messi-like aura Ramsey seemed to emit that