Aston Villa have been promoted back to the Premier League, after beating Derby County 2-1 in the Championship Play-Off Final.
In what is always mooted as the game with the most money on the line, Dean Smith's side managed to overcome Frank Lampard's side at Wembley with goals from Anwar El-Ghazi and John McGinn.
Nestled in 14th at Christmas, it seemed highly unlikely that Villa would be back in the big time come May. Dean Smith has overseen a great turn in fortune, and success will be all the sweeter for a manager that was a boyhood Aston Villa supporter.
Villa opened the scoring somewhat fortuitously, as a cross into the box was met by the back of El-Ghazi to nestle into the Derby net just prior to half-time.
But if Derby are left to rue much from this afternoon, it will be a mistake from Kelle Roos for Villa's second, where he came for a cross in a manner that allowed McGinn to head home to put the game beyond County's reach.
We are Aston Villa...
And we are back!#AVFC pic.twitter.com/LC8uAIdJ3H— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) May 27, 2019
Despite Jack Marriott pulling back a goal for Derby in the 81st minute, the Villans were able to hold out to claim a prize estimated at £170m.
“I’m speechless” said Jack Grealish after the match.
“It was such a hard game going up against a great team. We knew it was hard and it would go down to the wire.
"Like I said in my last ten interviews when I look around and I’ve John McGinn, Tammy and Anwar, I feel like we can beat anyone.
"I can’t describe how happy I am. I’ve scored twice against the Blues and now this. It’s like a dream."
It must be a matter of time now for Grealish to get an international cap, having had a superb season at the heart of Villa's attack.
It may still be that the likes of Tottenham and other Champions League candidates still turn their attention to Grealish, such has been his quality in a fraught season for Villa.
A great day for Aston Villa as 🇮🇪@ConorHourihane , Glenn Whelan and co achieve promotion to the Premier League #PlayOffFinal #avfc pic.twitter.com/Mw0wlnegDS
— Off The Ball (@offtheball) May 27, 2019
Subscribe to Off The Ball's YouTube channel for more videos, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for the latest sporting news and content.
