📝 Aston Villa 2-1 Derby: McGinn and El Ghazi earn play-off victory | OneFootball

Aston Villa edged past Derby at Wembley to secure promotion to the Premier League.

Despite a lively atmosphere in north-west London, the first half understandably offered very little action.

Half chances fell to Axel Tuanzebe and Richard Keogh but neither defender could capitalise, as set-pieces became the main route to goal.

However, a swift counter attack saw Villa take the lead on 41 minutes through on-loan winger Anwar El Ghazi.

Albert Adomah found himself free on the right before delivering a perfect cross between back four and goalkeeper.

18-year-old Jayden Bogle was regrettably caught ball-watching, allowing El Ghazi to ghost in and head past Kelle Roos.

With Derby now needing to score, the second half was much more frantic.

Rams forward Mason Bennett struck a presentable opportunity wide as tackles started flying in from both teams.

Fikayo Tomori brought down Jon McGinn, before Jack Grealish cynically tripped Tom Huddlestone – sparking a brawl on halfway.

But it was Villa who doubled their lead shortly after and Roos will be having nightmares over his contribution.

A deflected El Ghazi shot looped high into the air which looked a simple claim for the Dutch goalkeeper.

But he fumbled the ball straight onto the onrushing McGinn, who sparked wild celebrations near the corner flag.

Derby pushed on and managed to half the deficit through Jack Marriott, but they couldn’t find an equaliser despite a manic finish.

Villa, meanwhile, managed the occasion with maturity and are set for top flight football for the first time since 2016.