What Watford's heavy defeat to Man City means for Aston Villa ahead of Arsenal clash
Aston Villa news: Pep Guardiola's men showed no mercy at Vicarage Road with Phil Foden, Aymeric Laporte and Raheem Sterling (2) all on the scoresheet for the champions
by Richard Cusack · birminghammailAston Villa's hopes of Premier League survival have been given a big boost following Watford's 4-0 defea to Manchester City tonight.
The Hornets' defence was no match for a ruthless City and that leaves the managerless Vicarage Road side in 17th, three points and one place above Villa.
The real damage to Watford was done in the goal difference column, though, with a four-goal advantage wiped out by Pep Guardiola's men.
City strolled to victory two days after Nigel Pearson was surprisingly sacked having helped the Hertfordshire club off the bottom of the table following his arrival in December.
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Now Villa know that a win against Arsenal would put them in 17th and out of the relegation zone.
Even a point would help, given Watford face the much trickier task of the two sides on the final day of the season.
Villa travel to West Ham United while Watford are also on the road at Arsenal.
AFC Bournemouth can't be discounted with Eddie Howe's side on 31 points, like Villa and all on -27 in terms of goal difference.
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Bournemouth, though, don't have the luxury of a game in hand like Villa and they are away at Everton on Sunday.
So the upshot of Watford's loss is the goal difference has been wiped out and the first of two tricky games lost.
Advantage Villa.