Aston Villa: The Premier League, Achieved

Aston Villa’s thrilling 2-1 victory over Derby County ensured a rightful return to the top flight.

It was 1,108 days ago when Aston Villa last played a match in the Premier League.

After three long and arduous seasons in the Sky Bet EFL Championship, the claret and blue return to their rightful place. Monday evening’s 2-1 triumph was a culmination of ecstasy after years of turmoil, failure, change and ultimately, resiliency.

Dean Smith’s men began the match on the forefront, challenging Derby early and often. The first chance came about from a corner kick when Jack Grealish whipped in a dangerous ball inside the penalty box. It fell to Axel Tuanzebe, the defender’s left foot could not connect just a few yards out. Minutes later, Villa challenged again when Tammy Abraham closed down Kelle Roos in possession. The ‘keeper’s clearance went to Villa down the middle; Jack got possession, drove forward, but saw his shot sail over the crossbar from 20 yards out. So close!

Around the 25-minute mark the Rams began to pick-up possession and dictate tempo. The first goal, however, fell to Anwar El Ghazi when Conor Hourihane whipped a through ball down the right wing. A chasing Albert Adomah claimed the ball, thereby playing Ahmed Elmohamady right behind. The Egyptian’s standing cross made it to a diving El Ghazi, who got around his man Jayden Bogle, and scored with his neck/shoulder blade! They count all the same and Villa led 1-0 at half-time.

Not too much changed after the break.

El Ghazi picked-up an early booking minutes before Villa got their second, when the former Netherlands international shot from distance. Hit shot deflected off a boot, into the air, for an oncoming John McGinn to head home. It was 2-0 and Derby got desperate with 30 minutes to spare. Frank Lampard called upon Martyn Waghorn, Florian Jozefzoon and Jack Marriott from the substitutes’ bench. Waghorn ultimately scored with 10 minutes to play, but Villa held on courtesy of a few powerful Jed Steer catches.

With that, Villa earned promotion:

UTV!