Aston Villa have pulled off a great escape in the Premier League, denying Coventry City from meeting their old rivals for the first time in 20 years.
That would have been the case has Villa lost to West Ham on Sunday afternoon – or has Watford came from three goals down to beat Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.
And they nearly did just that, clawing it back to 3-2 before Danny Welbeck and Troy Deeney missed golden chanced in the final ten minutes.
But, alas, it was not to be and, cup competitions dependant, both Villa and the Sky Blues will now wait at least a further year until they can meet again.
The last time the two sides met, Coventry City were relegated from the Premier League, beaten 3-2 at Villa Park.
Die-hard Sky Blues supporter, John Mullaney, held aloft a sign that read “We’ll be back!” – but City are yet to return.
Here’s what Sky Blues fans had to say about their rivals on social media as Dean Smith’s side survived at the death…
Peter Rowe: I know Cov fans are annoyed that AVFC have stayed up, but at least every conversation about next season won’t be dominated by “playing the Villa”. There are 23 other teams in the Championship; I’m looking forward to us getting on with it without that distraction.
Andy Costello: I’m disappointed tbh, was looking forward to playing them in next season. Fair play the Villa, I’d forgotten what it was like, that last game of the season relegation battle, seen a few.
Oldy: It’s probably better for us that it’s Bournemouth and Watford down. We can play Villa in the Prem. If Wilson gets sold that will give us some wonga. Watford is a decent away trip as well. Easy on the train and plenty of pubs. Villa would just be vile.
Cameron Cairnes: Watford and Bournemouth next season it is then.
RyanJR: Seaside away day for the sky blue army to Bournemouth next season then. I’ll take that.
Callum Bailey: Unfortunately, Villa are staying up but I’m looking forward to another away day at Watford next season hopefully with a better result next time.
Ryan Watson: Look on the bright side, Villa won’t be thumping us twice next season!
James D: Ahhh well, Bournemouth away is a much better away day
