The race for the top eight in the Champions League continues to heat up after Monaco secured a 1-0 win against Aston Villa to move level on points with Unai Emery’s team.
Villa are now precariously balanced in seventh, propped up by only their superior goal difference, after previously being primed to avoid the play-off knockout stage.
The two teams were separated by eight places heading into the clash at the Stade Louis II but this was quickly minimised to two spots, either side of the top eight, thanks to Wilfried Singo’s header inside the first 10 minutes.
Tyrone Mings’ unforced error led to a corner being given for the hosts and despite a stunning save from Emiliano Martinez to deny Thilo Kehrer initially, the Argentina goalkeeper could do nothing about the rebound.
His counterpart at the other end, Radoslaw Majecki, also played his part by ensuring the lead remained intact heading into the break by getting down well to his right to tip Ollie Watkins’ only chance of the half around the post.
Not even the introduction of Jhon Duran off the bench in the 56th minute could spark Villa into life, the visitors posed little threat after the restart apart from Matty Cash’s effort which was pulled wide.
For Monaco, it was yet another triumph against an English team on home soil that ignites their chances of automatic progression.
They have now won five of their of last six home games against Premier League opposition, with Villa joining Chelsea. Liverpool, Tottenham and Manchester City on the list of victims.
