Aston Villa boss Unai Emery(Image: (Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images))

Aston Villa’s hopes of securing Champions League football next season have been boosted after Arsenal beat Sporting CP. Mikel Arteta’s side claimed a 1-0 win at the Estadio Jose Alvalade in the first-leg of their Champions League quarter-final on Tuesday night.

Martin Zubimendi thought he had opened the scoring for the Gunners, but the goal was ruled out following a VAR review. However, in the first minute of stoppage time, Kai Havertz pounced to secure his side victory.

And, as a result of the Gunners' win, England has secured a top-two finish in the UEFA season coefficient rankings, which means that a fifth Champions League qualifying spot for the Premier League has been secured.

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Villa are currently fourth in the Premier League table, five points clear of fifth-place Liverpool, despite a disastrous run of form that has seen them win just four of their last 12 league games.

And as a result of their poor form, former Villa forward Andy Gray has warned Emery and his...