Aston Villa lost the chance to end Champions League football next season with a 2-2 draw against already relegated Burnley on Sunday.
Villa booked their place in the Europa League final with a 4-0 defeat of Nottingham Forest on Thursday.
But Unai Emery’s men suffered a European hangover at Turf Moor.
Villa extended their lead over sixth-placed Bournemouth to four points and moved six ahead of Brighton and Hove Albion in the battle for Champions League qualification.
However, the season faces a difficult end with games against Liverpool and Manchester City either side of the final against Freiburg in Istanbul.
Jaidon Anthony punished a slow Villa start to put Burnley ahead after Emi Martinez spilled Lesley Ugochukwu’s shot.
Ross Barkley headed the visitor level from a corner just before half-time.
Ollie Watkins then pounced on a long kick forward from Martinez to put Villa ahead and headed into fourth in the table.
However, Burnley hit back and avoided a sixth straight defeat.
Zian Flemming scored with Hannibal Mejbri’s inventive move to keep the battle for the top five alive.
Everton’s bid for a place in Europe next season suffered after again failing to hold a lead in a 2-2 draw at Crystal Palace.
The Toffees twice took the lead at Selhurst Park thanks to brilliant individual goals from James Tarkowski and Beto.
Ismaila Sarr’s 20th goal of the season in all competitions and Jean-Philippe Mateta scored the equalizer for the Conference League finalists.
Everton climbed to 10th place but a five-match winless run appears to have cost David Moyes’ men the chance to qualify for Europe for the first time in nine years.
Elliott Anderson struck late against his former club Newcastle to secure a 1-1 draw for Nottingham Forest.
Harvey Barnes had given the visitor the lead but England international Anderson saved a point that could mathematically secure survival if West Ham fail to beat Arsenal.
Published on May 10, 2026
