Aston Villa promoted to the Premier League

Aston Villa have ended a three-year exodus of the Premier League by beating Derby in the Play-Off final to win promotion to the top flight.

Dutch winger Anwar El Ghazi headed in an opener as Villa took a lead into the interval; John McGinn doubled the Villains’ advantage as he beat ‘keeper Kelle Roos to the ball in the 59th minute.

Dean Smith’s side were put under late pressure after Derby County scored in the 81st minute via Martyn Waghorn’s subtle touch on substitute Jack Marriott’s shot.

Villa will, as a result of promotion, earn a windfall of around £170million following promotion to the Premier League.

It had been a tough start of the season for the Championship side after Steve Bruce got sacked when Villa drew 3-3 with Preston North End, with the club sitting 12th in the league.

However, Villa fan Dean Smith came in and set a club record of most consecutive winning matches as the Villains won promotion.

Aston Villa will join League champions Norwich City and second-placed Sheffield United in the Premier League next term.