LONDON (Reuters) - Aston Villa's revival since Unai Emery replaced Steven Gerrard as manager has been so dramatic that what once looked like a relegation battle has now become a race to qualify for Europe.
Villa's 2-1 victory at struggling Leicester City on Tuesday lifted them to seventh in the Premier League standings, just six points behind third-placed Newcastle United albeit having played two more matches.
Over the last 10 league games only leaders Arsenal and chasers Manchester City have earned more points than Villa and there is a growing sense that a European place is possible. "Chelsea and Liverpool have to be in Europe next year, they will fight for it, but we can have ambition and motivation to try to be a candidate."
"The striker is very important to me. I spoke with at the beginning about the relationship here," Emery said.
Philippines Latest News, Philippines Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Soccer-Aston Villa add to Leicester's woes with 2-1 winLEICESTER, England (Reuters) - Aston Villa plunged Leicester City deeper into relegation danger on Tuesday with a 2-1 away win in the Premier League after the home side played the last 20 minutes with 10 men and had a late penalty hope ruled out by VAR.
Read more »
Soccer-South Africa soccer club officials held in Libya over unpaid billsJOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - Two South African football club officials who have been held in Libya for more than two weeks over unpaid bills will not be allowed to travel home until the debt is settled by Premier Division side Marumo Gallants, officials said.
Read more »
Soccer-Second-choice Trossard proving to be first class for Arsenal in title race(Reuters) - When Arsenal's pursuit of Mykhailo Mudryk was hijacked by Chelsea in January, the Premier League leaders were forced to move to Plan B but their quick pivot to sign Leandro Trossard has reaped rich dividends in a high-pressure title race.
Read more »
Soccer-England's grassroots referees 'safer, more confident' with body cameras(Reuters) - Referees in grassroots leagues in England feel more confident and 'safer' when wearing body cameras whilst officiating, the Football Association's head of refereeing said amid a trial into the efficacy of the technology.
Read more »
Soccer-Algerian player dropped from Nantes squad after insisting on maintaining fast(Reuters) - Algerian defender Jaouen Hadjam was dropped from Nantes squad before their defeat by Stade de Reims in Ligue 1 on Sunday after insisting on not breaking his Ramadan fast, his manager Antoine Kombouare said.
Read more »
Soccer-Germany coach Voss-Tecklenburg signs new contract until 2025(Reuters) - Germany coach Martina Voss-Tecklenburg has signed a contract extension in the build-up to this year's World Cup, the German Football Association (DFB) said on Monday, keeping her in charge until the 2025 edition of the Women's European Championship.
Read more »