Lucas Digne pounces late to wreck Luton’s fightback and keep Aston Villa on track for Champions League

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A last-gasp goal from Aston Villa substitute Lucas Digne denied Luton Town what would have been a huge point in their fight for Premier League survival and gave Unai Emery’s men a big Champions League boost.
Rob Edwards’ brave team looked defeated at half-time, trailing to two Ollie Watkins goals. The striker had also hit the post and Villa should have been out of sight.
But despite being without a number of injured players and facing a mountain to climb, Luton never gave up in front of their biggest crowd in over 30 years.
And goals from Tahith Chong and Carlton Morris looked to have secured a point that could have been so valuable at the end of the season, particularly with Everton and Nottingham Forest both losing.
But Digne broke Luton’s hearts right at the death with a goal that preserved Villa’s five-point cushion over Tottenham Hotspur in fourth place.
Watkins could have had a hat-trick in the first half alone, as he netted his 15th and 16th League goals of the season and struck the post.
The 28-year-old was simply unplayable, running the channels and getting in behind the Luton defence time and time again.
He was just as dangerous in the air as he was on the ground, proved by the fact his first goal came from a header and his second was a fine right-footed finish.
It had been Jacob Ramsey, who was involved in Villa’s best moments during the opening 15 minutes. He chested an early cross from Leon Bailey wide of the post and forced Luton goalkeeper Thomas Kaminski into a good save with a curling shot from John McGinn’s pass. From the resulting corner, Douglas Luiz should have done better than heading Youri Tielemans’ delivery well wide.
But after that Watkins took over. Kaminski saved well midway through the first half to keep out the former Brentford man, who had been given a sight of goal by Bailey. But the Luton keeper was beaten from the resulting corner, as Watkins brilliantly headed in Bailey’s set piece.
Villa co-owner Nassef Sawiris was watching from the Kenilworth Road doirectors’ box and celebrated wildly when Watkins’ header hit the back of the net. No wonder he signed off on the new contract Watkins signed early this season.
Ramsey had required some treatment after seeing his 15th-minute shot saved and the midfielder only lasted until the half-an-hour mark until he had to be replaced by January signing Morgan Rogers.
Rogers was quickly involved, starting the move from which Watkins hit the post with an angled low shot as Emery’s team pushed for a second goal.
But Watkins did soon double Villa’s lead after he beat the Luton offside trap and the linesman, who flagged for offside when the striker had clearly been onside.
Reece Burke was booked for pulling the shirt of Rogers, Douglas Luiz took a free-kick and Watkins followed smartly past Kaminski. The linesman initially ruled the goal out with his flag for offside, but VAR showed he had clearly been on and the goal was given.
Kaminski had to make a great save to stop Rogers putting Villa out of sight, before Luton rallied in first-half stoppage-time to lift the home crowd. Andros Townsend headed over the bar after Clement Lenglet had done well under pressure at the back post and Ross Barkely fired a free-kick into the wall.
Luton were without a number of injured players, including top scorer Elijah Adebayo and midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga. Manager Rob Edwards took a chance on Amari’i Bell, who had been a doubt, but he lasted just six minutes before needing to be replaced by Chiedozie Ogbene.
Edwards made another change in the 53rd minute, sending on Daiki Hashioka for Townsend and pushing Alfie Doughty further forwards, as Luton started to get some joy down the flanks.
And they finally made one of a number of free-kicks and corners count in the 66th minute. Doughty’s corner wasn’t dealt with by the Villa defence and after Matt Cash had produced a brilliant headed block on the goalline to stop Reece Burke, Chong scored from close range.
Seven minutes later, Luton levelled from yet another set-piece, this time conceded by Ezri Konsa. Doughty produced a superb delivery and Morris guided his shot past Emi Martinez to send the home fans wild.
Emery signalled for calm from the visiting dug-out, but he showed his displeasure by making a quadruple change with just over 10 minutes remaining – sending on Lucas Digne, Moussa Diaby, Nicolo Zaniolo and Tim Iroegbunam.
It was two of the substitutes who combined to win the game for Villa and send Emery dancing down the touchline in celebration. Diaby crossed from the right and Digne timed his run perfectly at the back post to head in from close range.
I feel like my game understanding has gotten a lot better, my movement. Also conserving energy. I was pressing because I can do that, but sometimes when I do get the chance to go through on goal I can be a bit tired from chasing defenders. Also the mentality, knowing that if I miss a chance I’m going to bury the next one, which I didn’t have before.
We know with their previous results they score a lot of late goals and the fans get behind them. It’s a difficult place to go. 
We had the same instance with Forest last week. We were a little bit to comfortable and too relaxed which is the worst thing you can do at two goals up.
I think we needed to stay on the ball a lot more, and use the goalkeeper.
Unai Emery punches the air at the end, three points pulled from the fire just when it looked like two were being dropped. Villa were completely superior for 45 minutes when Watkins terrorised Luton’s defence, before evaporating for much of the second half and conceding two set-piece goals. A moment of quality between Diaby and Digne saved the day in the 90th minute. The win keeps Villa five points clear of Spurs, who travel to Villa Park next Sunday (albeit Spurs have a game in hand). That could be a pivotal game.
Villa look to have just done enough, but there is time for one more Luton set-piece after Cash and Konsa slice clearances in their own box. Doughty across to take from the right with his left foot and Mengi was up early! But his header flew over the bar.
Rob Edwards looked furious with his team’s defending, even though he will be delighted with their second-half performance. Villa fans are the supporters you can hear signing now. Potentially a big moment in the season with Ajax and Spurs to come this week.
Two of Emery’s subs combine, with Diaby clipping a cross to the back post with his left foot and Digne stole in ahead of Ogbene to squeeze a header under Kaminski.
Villa have FIVE added minutes to survive.
Chong has picked up a knock for Luton, and Ruddock Mpanzu has replaced him, the player who has been with Luton from non-League all the way up the pyramid. Luton have yet another free-kick which Doughty is going to whip in.
It was almost a carbon copy of the goal! Morris’ side-footed the ball right across the six-yard box but the flag was up for offside anyway.
Barkley with quick feet in midfield again to win a free-kick, which looked to be heading towards Morris again before it was turned behind for a corner. This time it is straight down Martinez’s throat. Diaby’s speed threatens on the break but his low cross is cut out.
Emery is about to make a raft of attacking subs, although perhaps he should not have waited until the game was level. Diaby, Digne, Zaniolo and Iroegbunam are on for Bailey, Moreno, Tielemans and Rogers. I thought Rogers did very well considering his lack of minutes, feels a bit harsh.
There is no visible sign of a Villa response. Momentum has shifted and Luton are pouring forward in numbers. This time Barkley clipped a cross to the back post, and it was a mismatch of Morris vs Cash in the air, but he did not connect with the header,
Luton have stacked up the set-pieces in this half and it has paid dividends. It is a superb delivery looped from left to right by Doughty, and there is Morris to direct the ball home with a well-controlled, side-foot volley. Great composure from the Luton striker. Villa in danger of throwing points away.
Unai Emery’s managerial career has been studded with games in which they sink back trying to defend a lead and end up being punished. Villa were so superior in the first half, but have been pushed back and muted since the restart. Luton have rebalanced and are flying. 
Finally, Luton make one of their set-pieces count. It was a mad scramble once the ball was headed back across goal, with Matty Cash heading off the line, but Chong finally forced the ball over the line. Cash and team-mates may have done well to avoid a handball and red card on the line. Game on.
Good football from Luton, with Barkley spreading play out to Kabore. The ball was set back to Ogbene, and Lenglet had to slice the ball behind for a corner. Could he have let the ball run for Martinez?
Another Luton corner claimed by Emi Martinez, although this one was far more straightforward. The home fans remain in good voice but an uptick in their performance has so far not yielded a goal.
Villa have not really got started in this half, failing to keep the ball and inviting pressure. Luton pushing forward does mean there will be space for Watkins on the break though. You can’t help but wonder if Luton needed a goal from one of that flurry of set-pieces.
Much, much better from Luton, and Villa are guilty of conceding set-pieces around their box. This time it was Cash on Chong near the left-hand corner of the box. At the back post, Morris loops a header on to the roof of the net.
Rob Edwards is about to give Hashioka a Premier League debut from the bench. Luton have won another corner, which Doughty is going to whip in with his left peg. Excellent take from Martinez, under pressure and at an awkward angle. It’s good goalkeeping from Martinez, who then stays down nursing his back to kill a few more seconds.
Luton turning up the pressure. McGinn is at full stretch to deal with Chong, and turns the ball behind for a corner. These set-pieces are stacking up at the start of the second half, but Villa are standing strong and dealing with the aerial challenges.
Rogers has been very impressive since coming on for Villa, comfortable receiving the ball in pockets of space between the Luton midfield and defence. This time he feeds Watkins, but that striker’s shot was tame. Then Rogers is shown a yellow card for a foul on Kabore. Another Luton free-kick in a dangerous area.
Better from Luton with Kabore winning a free-kick down the right, but no orange shirt could make contact with the delivery. Luton trying to be more positive at the start of this half.
Luton have scored plenty of late goals this season, and they need a few more.
25 – Ollie Watkins has been involved in 25 Premier League goals this season, the outright most of any player (15 goals, 10 assists). Hero. #LUTAVL pic.twitter.com/lOJCMXrI2i
A routine half from Villa, who have made light work of a trip to Kenilworth Road so far. Emery’s team have moved the ball smoothly, and Ollie Watkins has been electric. Aside from his two goals, he has given an under-strength Luton defence kittens with his movement and (possibly underrated) hold up play.
Bailey pulled him with a knock on the edge of Villa’s defensive third, causing McGinn to dive in and give away a free-kick. A little better from Luton in stoppage time, Villa getting a little sloppy. Barkley is over it…22 yards out, left of centre but he cannot beat the wall.
McGinn feeds the ball into the feet of Watkins again, and Luton are scrambling back to defend. Luton are hampered by injuries but this has been far too easy for the visitors in this half.
Another booking for a Villa player, Leon Bailey the offender this time stopping the counter-attack.
Douglas Luiz has been shown his seventh yellow card of the season, somewhat harshly for a nothing incident down the Villa right. The free-kick gives Luton the chance to deliver into the box, and Morris won a free header before Chong’s shot was charged down by Moreno.
There will be SEVEN minutes of added time to play.
Rogers has looked positive and imposing since coming on for Villa, and he draws a superb save from Kaminski to keep out a shot that was bending towards the top corner. Villa looking slick.
Villa’s comfort from the first whistle is now reflected in the scoreline. A bit more pressure on this game after Spurs’ comeback win earlier today. Also looks a presentable chance to extend the lead over Man Utd, who play at the Etihad tomorrow. Villa host Spurs next week.
That is why you stay serious and put the ball in the net, regardless of what the linesman is doing. It’s a lovely finish from Watkins, but Luton knocked off at the restart. Watkins now has 16 Premier League goals this season.
It’s Ollie Watkins AGAIN! ⚡Aston Villa double their advantage after a lengthy VAR decision! pic.twitter.com/UshKI3z9oF
Villa have the ball in the net but the flag has gone up for offside against Watkins. Burke was shown a yellow card for pulling back Rogers, and Luiz took a quick one through to Watkins. Smart finish, and this is a very tight offside call.
VAR checking…I think the Luton player in the left-back position has played him onside.
Ollie Watkins skims the foot of the post! Villa ever so close to taking a two-goal lead. It was classic Watkins, a run down the side of the centre-halves before shifting and shooting across Kaminski. Watkins looks a class above those Luton defenders.
Wicked delivery from McGinn, and inswinger with his left foot, but Lenglet could not get his head around the glancing header. The Villa defender then ushers the ball behind for a goal kick at the other end. Luton have another injury headache, although Mengi is back on having gone off holding his foot.
Jacob Ramsey is not fully over the problem with his left foot, and has been substituted. Morgan Rogers has replaced him, a 21-year-old with just two substitute appearances in the Premier League.
Luton have not been able to pen Villa in so far, there has always been an out-ball, and it is usually Watkins. This has been a textbook away performance at a tricky ground from Emery’s team. Putting their foot on the ball, quieting the crowd as well as carrying a threat.
Ollie Watkins has been threatening that since the first few minutes, but you would not have expected it to come from a corner. It’s a fairly basic piece of movement to the near post but it was untracked, and Watkins’ glancing header left Kaminski with no chance.
Kaminski called into action to claim Bailey’s driven cross from the right, but his handling was clean. And then the Luton goalkeeper produced a better stop to deny Watkins, standing tall as the Villa striker tried to find the roof of the net. Watkins looking really sharp so far.
One of the problems facing Luton at the moment is that Doughty, one of their most productive attackers this season, has had to move back and cover the left centre-back area. It is curtailing his bursts forward. Watkins with some excellent hold up play helps his team move up the pitch again.
Ramsey is fit to continue. Villa pass the ball across their own penalty area from right to left under Luton pressure, but once again they find a way out with a clipped ball to Watkins. Luton yet to fashion a dangerous attacking moment.
Emiliano Martinez claims a Townsend cross with ease, to cheers from the away fans. At the other end, the ball runs through into Ramsey’s path after good work by McGinn and Kaminski tips his curling shot around the post. Now Ramsey is down nursing some kind of knock and the physios are on.
Villa have settled well in possession, Luton struggling to apply that suffocating pressure that can be a theme of games at Kenilworth Road. Emery’s teams are finding exits and spare men quite comfortably so far. Jacob Ramsey has been penalised for a hand-off into the face of Ross Barkley.
This is hard work for Luton’s defence, who are struggling to cope with the peeling runs of Watkins, Ramsey and Bailey. Villa are turning them early and causing stress. Luton try to get going as an attacking force, but the flag goes up against them for offside.
Luton are missing some key defensive personnel and they are looking ragged in the first few minutes. Mengi did well to step across and deal with a burst forward from Ramsey. 
Yet another injury problem here for them. Amari’i Bell has pulled up with what looks a hamstring injury. Ogbene, a much more attacking player, is going to replace him. It could mean Kabore inside and Ogbene as a wing-back.
Aston Villa backing themselves to pass out from deep areas on a tight pitch, and they released Watkins down the right. He found Bailey on the overlap, whose cross glanced off the chest of Jacob Ramsey. Lively start from the visitors.
Aston Villa get the game under way at Kenilworth Road.
Luton: Kaminski, Mengi, Burke, Bell, Kabore, Clark, Barkley, Doughty, Townsend, Chong, Morris. Subs: Hashioka, Shea, Ogbene, Berry, Woodrow, Mpanzu, Krul, Nelson, Piesold. 
Aston Villa: Martinez, Cash, Konsa, Lenglet, Alex Moreno, Bailey, McGinn, Douglas Luiz, Ramsey, Tielemans, Watkins.Subs: Digne, Torres, Chambers, Diaby, Zaniolo, Olsen, Rogers, Kesler-Hayden, Iroegbunam. 
Referee: Michael Oliver (Northumberland)
Aston Villa boss Unai Emery says his respect for today’s Premier League opponents Luton grows every time he watches them.
Villa are bidding to consolidate their top-four position and a third straight top-flight win in the evening kick-off at Kenilworth Road could lift them further clear of fifth-placed Tottenham.
But Emery has warned his side face a tough challenge having done his homework on Rob Edwards’ Hatters.
The Villa head coach said: “It will be a very demanding match in 90 minutes. Even when they were losing 3-0, they scored two goals against Manchester City (in last week’s 6-2 FA Cup defeat).
“Even when they were losing 3-0 at home against Chelsea (in December), they scored two goals and had chances to draw the match.
“Analysing them, my respect for them is increasing. I’m impressed with how they are playing.”
Ross Barkley has been key to Luton’s survival battle this season and although the Hatters have lost their last four games in all competitions, the former Villa midfielder’s displays have been noted by Emery.
“He’s playing very well,” the Spaniard said. “They are in a very good moment – not only Barkley. They are feeling confident and playing feeling strong.
“Maybe they haven’t had good results because they didn’t win in their last matches, but they are playing very well.
“I appreciate a lot how they are playing. Very aggressive, man-to-man, playing in combinations and Barkley is in a very good moment.”
A 17th league win of the season for Villa will extend their five-point advantage over Tottenham, who have a game in hand, if the Londoners fail to beat Crystal Palace at home.
Emery added: “We are very excited in the Premier League with how we are progressively getting better and being committed to try and do our best.
“We are fourth in the table now and we know we have to be consistent in 38 matches. Each match we are going to face is worth three points.
“Luton is worth the same points that we were playing for against the top teams like Arsenal and Manchester City.”
Emery confirmed defenders Ezri Konsa and Pau Torres will both be included in his squad.
Konsa has missed the last four games due to a knee injury, while Torres was withdrawn at half-time in last week’s 4-2 home win against Nottingham Forest.
Jhon Duran will not feature as he closes in on his return from a hamstring injury and Diego Carlos, Tyrone Mings, Emi Buendia and Boubacar Kamara remain long-term absentees.