BRIGHTON DIM VILLA'S HOPES FOR TOP FOUR

Pedro’s late strike earns O win; Chelsea hammer West Ham to lift European chances

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Aston Villa's bid to finish in the English Premier League's top four was rocked by a 1-0 defeat at Brighton and Hove Albion, while Chelsea thrashed West Ham United 5-0 to keep alive their hopes of European qualification on May 5.

A Villa win combined with Tottenham Hotspur's 4-2 loss at Liverpool in the late game on May 5 would have sealed a Champions League place for Unai Emery's side.

However, Villa were unable to fulfil their part of that equation, as Brighton forward Joao Pedro's 87th-minute goal condemned them to a second painful defeat in four days.

Pedro headed in the rebound for his 20th goal of the season in all competitions after Villa goalkeeper Robin Olsen - in for the injured Emiliano Martinez - saved his penalty.

The Brazilian became the first player to score at least 20 goals in a single season for Brighton across all competitions since Glenn Murray (23) in the 2016-17 season.

His winner ended Brighton's six match run without victory.