Big mistake, so hard to take’: Manager furious as VAR controversy decides final Champions League spots
As the curtain fell on another dramatic Premier League season, the race for Champions League qualification took center stage on the final day, even with the title and relegation battles already decided. Former European champions Chelsea and Manchester City successfully secured their spots on Europe’s grandest stage for the upcoming season, while Newcastle United managed to squeeze through by the skin of their teeth. However, it was a dismal day for Midlands clubs Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest, both of whom missed out in gut-wrenching fashion.
Liverpool, already crowned Premier League champions weeks ago, will be joined in next season’s Champions League by runners-up Arsenal, defending European title-holders Manchester City, and Chelsea — the latter boasting continental triumphs in 2012 and 2021. Newcastle United, who endured a nervy finale, also punched their ticket to the Champions League, despite losing at home. Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur, led by Australian manager Ange Postecoglou, will also return to Europe’s top-tier competition, having clinched qualification by winning the Europa League.
The most devastating outcome of the afternoon befell Aston Villa, who were dramatically edged out of the final Champions League spot by Newcastle — and only on goal difference. Their narrow and highly controversial 2-0 loss at Old Trafford to Manchester United sparked fury from the club, with manager Unai Emery and players voicing outrage over the officiating. Villa are now preparing to lodge an official complaint to the Premier League, not over the specific decision itself, but over the appointment of match referee Thomas Bramall, citing his inexperience in high-stakes fixtures.
The match turned just before half-time when Villa’s World Cup-winning goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez was forced off. Despite the setback, Villa appeared on course to clinch qualification — until the 76th minute, when Amad Diallo gave United the lead. Just moments earlier, Villa believed they had gone ahead themselves, as Morgan Rogers found the back of the net. However, referee Bramall controversially ruled that the ball had been kicked out of United goalkeeper Altay Bayindir’s hands before crossing the line, and blew for a foul. Because the whistle had gone before the ball entered the goal, VAR was unable to intervene. To compound Villa’s misery, Christian Eriksen added a second from the penalty spot late on.
An irate Unai Emery confronted Bramall after the final whistle, calling the decision a “big mistake” that cost his team dearly. Club captain John McGinn echoed his manager’s frustration, saying: “The decision is incredible. VAR was introduced to ensure correct decisions are made. In rugby, they overturn errors even after the referee awards a try. I know the rule, I’ve seen it before, but it’s so tough to accept when the consequences are this huge — for the team, the club, and the fans.”
Despite their disappointment, Villa won’t be without European football next season — they’ll now compete in the Europa League.
Elsewhere, Chelsea overcame Nottingham Forest in a high-stakes encounter that was effectively a Champions League playoff. In a match hyped as winner-takes-all, it was Chelsea who emerged victorious, thanks to a second-half goal from defender Levi Colwill just six minutes after the restart. Forest, who had spent large portions of the season occupying a top-four place, were left to rue missed opportunities in front of their home crowd.
Newcastle, meanwhile, secured their qualification despite a lackluster 1-0 defeat to Everton at St James’ Park. While the Magpies stumbled at the final hurdle, results elsewhere fell in their favor — most notably Villa’s loss — ensuring their place among Europe’s elite next season.
Manchester City, ever the picture of composure, made light work of their assignment. Needing only a draw at Fulham, Pep Guardiola’s side wrapped up a 2-0 win courtesy of goals from Ilkay Gundogan and Erling Haaland, sealing their qualification in style.
In other matches, Liverpool needed a late equalizer from talisman Mohamed Salah — his 29th league goal of the campaign — to rescue a 1-1 draw at home against FA Cup winners Crystal Palace, who had taken the lead through Tyrick Mitchell. Arsenal also left it late, with substitute Martin Ødegaard scoring an 89th-minute winner in a 2-1 comeback win against already-relegated Southampton. The Saints announced earlier in the day that Will Still, who recently departed French side Lens, will take over managerial duties as they prepare for life in the Championship.
However, not everyone finished the season on a high. Just days after celebrating their Europa League triumph, Tottenham suffered a heavy 4-1 defeat at home to Brighton — a sobering reminder of the rigors of domestic football, even after continental success.
In the end, it was a final day packed with drama, emotion, and controversy — a fitting conclusion to a rollercoaster Premier League season. As some clubs look forward to glamorous European nights under the lights, others are left reflecting on what might have been.