EPL roundup: Surging Palace beat Villa, Bournemouth falter again

Aston Villa's hopes of Champions League football next season took another hit after a 4-1 defeat at Crystal Palace on Tuesday.

Villa had rejuvenated their hopes of a second consecutive season in Europe's elite competition after beating Chelsea on Saturday. But Unai Emery's men have now won just one of their last seven league games after a capitulation at Selhurst Park.

Despite the loss, Villa, sitting 10th, are still only two points back of fifth-placed Manchester City. Thanks to English clubs' strong performance in European competition this season, a top-five finish is likely to be enough for a place in next season's Champions League.

Ismaila Sarr's first-half opener was cancelled out early in the second period by Morgan Rogers.

Jean-Philippe Mateta quickly restored Palace's advantage before Sarr and Eddie Nketiah maintained the Eagles' fine form.

Oliver Glasner's side have won seven of their last nine games to rise to 12th, just six points behind Villa.

South coast battle

Brighton won the battle of the south coast clubs with ambitions of European football next season, beating Bournemouth 2-1.

Joao Pedro won and converted a penalty on 12 minutes to give the Seagulls the lead.

A wonder strike from Justin Kluivert levelled for the Cherries, but Danny Welbeck's winner moved the sides level on points.

Bournemouth sit seventh on goal difference with Brighton in eighth, but now just one point behind fifth-placed City.

Elsewhere, Wolves missed the chance to pull further clear of the relegation zone after a 2-1 home defeat to Fulham.

A fast start to both halves saw the visitors take the points as Ryan Sessegnon struck inside the first minute and Rodrigo Muniz got the winner two minutes into the second period.

Wolves remain five points above the bottom three.