The villains miss a chance to seal the deal.


Aston Villa's hopes of securing a place in the Champions League's top eight were dealt a blow after a 1-0 away defeat to Monaco.

Wilfried Singo's header in the 8th minute proved to be Villa's second defeat in a different European season at the Stade Louis II.

The result keeps Unai Emery's men in the top 8, with most of their Champions League opponents still to play in 7 matches. The Midlands side face Celtic at home in the final group game.

Monaco currently move up to ninth in the table, level on points with Villa, boosting their hopes of automatic passage to the last 16.

The visitors enjoyed the better of the early exchanges, but Monaco went in front when Singo headed in from close range after Breel Embolo's header was saved early on.

Villa looked like they would not score as Ezri Konsa made a series of mistakes to block Maghnes Alkiouche's shot, which allowed Martinez to deflect a powerful shot.

The visitors settled again and were on top for most of the second half, unable to carve out many chances. Lucas Digne tried his luck with a free kick from 25 yards, but his defense held it together well.

Leon Bailey was unlucky not to score from close range after a smart Ollie Watkins touch from Emiliano Buendia found the Jamaican.

Watford's best chance for Villa came when another Bunedia through ball crossed Watkins, but the Villa striker's shot was saved by goalkeeper Radosław Majecki to the right.

That's when Alkiouche missed a stunning chance for Monaco when he couldn't hold onto his shot after finding plenty of space from close range.

Villa made a quick run from Watkins' left corner early in the second half and Morgan Rodgers was unable to fully control the outside of his boot in defense to stop an effort inside the post.

Alkiouche thought he had made it 2-0 from close range, but the 22-year-old was ruled offside too early.

Emery introduced Jhon Duran and Villa to play alongside Watkins to inspire, but the last half hour of the encounter proved to be few and far between.

Matty Cash was able to cross Roger's goal, but the right-back hit his shot hard.





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