Unai Emery and Aston Villa players celebrate Champions League qualification and get Prince William's royal seal of approval

Unai Emery was delighted as were his Aston Villa players when their place in next season's Champions League was confirmed.

He villains will play in Europe's top football competition for the first time since 1983, with its place confirmed after fifth-placed Tottenham lost to Man City.

It means that they go into the last game of the season, against Crystal Palace, with fourth place secured.

AND Emery were all the Villa fans who followed the final whistle in north London as he raised both hands in the air alongside president of football operations Monchi at the club's end-of-season awards.

Goalkeeper Emi Martínez sprayed champagne and Prince William reminded everyone where his loyalties lay by triumphantly tweeting: “We are the Champions League! A historic season and an incredible achievement. Thanks to Unai, the whole team and everyone at Aston Villa I can't wait for the next season. Up to the Villa!

This achievement represents only the third time Villa have finished in the Premier League's top four and the first since 1995/96.

And that's something Gabby Agbonlahor reminded everyone on Twitter at full-time White Hart Lane. “The Champions League (is) where we belong!”

“Today is a very special day,” Emery told the audience.

“It is our dream, it was our dream when we started the season to be here. Playing in the Champions League is, after the Premier, the best.

“You can play in the Premier League against the best teams in the world, it is very difficult.

5

5

“When you play in the Champions League, you play against the best teams, at the same time, from other countries. And it's amazing.

“And we are always responsible for the history here, we know that the history of Aston Villa is very long and successful.

“Even in the Champions League, before the European Cup, we knew that the responsibility was to try to increase our level, try to be demanding and dream.

“And now, to win the Champions League like Aston Villa did in 1982, if we're there and we're in it, then it's easier than if we're not in it.

“It is another dream and the most important thing is to have dreams and try to work hard to achieve them.

“Of course, I am very, very, very happy and very proud of you (the fans), the players and everyone.

5

“I want to enjoy more and, next year, now the new challenge begins for us. To build a team again, to be strong and to always go and raise our level.

“That is our goal and it is always to try to enjoy with you, the fans; You are the heart of the club. Up with the Villa!

Although Villa has benefited from CityFollowing the victory, Arsenal's title aspirations have taken a major hit.

The city has moved forward Mikel ArtetaThe England men are at the top of the table and only need a victory over West Ham to seal a historic fourth consecutive title.

And some fans joked about Ollie Watkins being an Arsenal fan when looking at pictures of delighted Villa players, with one photo showing him in the background looking dejected.

He is not, given that he was named Villa's Player of the Season after scoring 27 goals in all competitions.

Against Palace on Sunday, he could become the first Villan to score 20 goals in a Premier League season. It is an extraordinary feat for the 28-year-old, who is also the most creative in the league.

He has so far recorded 13 assists, more than any other player and was all smiles as he collected the club award.

5