LONDON – Aston Villa’s bid to finish in the English Premier League’s top four was rocked by a 1-0 defeat at Brighton and Hove Albion, while Chelsea thrashed West Ham United 5-0 to keep alive their hopes of European qualification on May 5.

A Villa win combined with Tottenham Hotspur’s 4-2 loss at Liverpool in the late game on May 5 would have sealed a Champions League place for Unai Emery’s side.