Luton Town 2-3 Aston Villa: Lucas Digne scores the late winner in the Champions League chase

Aston Villa strengthened their bid to qualify for the Champions League, with Luca Digne scoring a dramatic late winner as Luton Town's comeback was in vain.

England striker Watkins put Villa ahead with a header from Leon Bailey's corner kick, then headed home Douglas Luiz's ball for the second goal.

The match was initially ruled offside by the referees, but was cleared after review by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR).

Luton looked like a new team after the break, having not had a shot until stoppage time in the first half.

Tahith Chong gave his team hope after some scuffle in the box, and Carlton Morris' controlled volley from Alfie Doughty's free kick leveled the score.

Morris had a chance to put Luton ahead, but his header went straight at Emiliano Martinez.

Digne then headed home a cross from fellow substitute Moussa Diaby to score.

Fourth-placed Villa are in fifth place, 11 points ahead of sixth-placed Manchester United. There is a good chance of qualifying for the Champions League next season.

Luton remain secure, four points clear of Nottingham Forest.

Watkins' good form continues

Watkins could be the most influential player in the Premier League this season. The 28-year-old is the only player in England's top flight to reach double figures for goals and assists.

The double at Kenilworth Road took him up to 16 goals in the Premier League, the highest in a season of his career and second only to Manchester City phenomenon Erling Haaland.

Villa had already squandered several chances when Watkins managed to find space in the box and nod in Bailey's corner.

The pair have scored a total of seven goals in the Premier League this season, more than any other duo.

Watkins' second goal came from another set piece. Lewis took a quick free-kick over goal from the halfway line, which Watkins expertly controlled and curled inside the post.

The goal was initially ruled offside, but a VAR review revealed that Chiedozie Ogbene had kept Watkins onside, confirming his seventh goal in the 2024 league campaign.

He becomes Villa's fourth player to score 16 goals in a Premier League season (after Christian Benteke, Dwight Yorke and Juan Pablo Angel).

Watkins only had one clear chance for a third goal in the second half when Morgan Rogers set him up, but his weak shot was saved.

Villa were looking comfortable at this stage but came close to wasting three points before Diaby and Digne, who came on as a substitute in the 79th minute, combined to boost their Champions League hopes. .

Luton are still fighting

Luton are in their first season in the Premier League since rebranding in 1992 and have had a hugely impressive season, with hopes of survival still remaining. Burnley and Sheffield United, who were promoted together last season, are on the verge of being relegated.

Luton could also gain further advantage, as Everton and Nottingham Forest (the two teams immediately above them) still face potential penalty points for breaching spending rules.

They missed this game after 45 minutes due to injury, which was not the first time this season.

An early injury to Amari'i Bell meant the team was forced to use players in poor positions at the back, but this improved with the arrival of Japan national team defender Daiki Hashioka on his Premier League debut.

Chong gave his team hope soon after Reece Burke's shot was cleared on the goal line by Matty Cash, and seven minutes later he equalized with Morris.

After Digne nodded home, the team had another big chance, but Teden Mengi headed home five minutes into stoppage time.