Bolton relegated from Championship after defeat to Villa

Aston Villa’s record-equalling ninth successive Sky Bet Championship victory thanks to two second-half goals relegated Bolton to League One for the second time in four seasons.

Jack Grealish’s sixth goal of the campaign followed by Tammy Abraham’s 24th gave Dean Smith’s in-form side a 2-0 win to match an achievement previously established in 1910.

Wanderers, who preserved their second-tier status on the final day of last season, had new owner Laurence Bassini watching for the first time.

But Phil Parkinson’s side could not mark his arrival by prolonging their Championship status.

Villa had the best chances in the first half but were not at their most clinical and were still deadlocked at the break.

John McGinn went closest to putting the visitors in front only to have a 15th-minute header cleared off the line by debutant Harry Brockbank.

McGinn unleashed a powerful left-foot shot that Ben Alnwick did well to push away for a corner.

A fizzing low cross from Grealish set up another opportunity but Anwar El Ghazi could not convert the chance as he lunged for the ball at the back post.

The home side’s hopes of an upset win were not helped by losing experienced campaigners David Wheater and Gary O’Neil to injury and they were replaced by Mark Beevers and Josh Magennis.

Despite their problems, Wanderers still produced a couple of moments of quality to worry the West Midlands outfit.

Keeper Jed Steer got down smartly to push aside Clayton Donaldson’s right-foot effort while Will Buckley had a shot blocked by Axel Tuanzebe.

But Villa were much better in the second period and took the lead within 90 seconds of the re-start.

Abraham produced a brilliant cross from the Villa right and Grealish ran into the area unmarked to head home from close range.

With the deadlock broken Villa poured forward looking to double their advantage and only keeper Alnwick stood between Wanderers and a heavier defeat.

He pushed away an attempt by El Ghazi after 50 minutes and then produced an even better stop to deny Grealish.

Then it was Tyrone Mings’ turn to test Alnwick’s agility before Villa did get the goal their superiority deserved after 57 minutes.

Grealish looked to have run up a blind alley but he managed to flick the ball back into the path of Abraham who bravely bundled it over the line.

In doing so the Chelsea loanee suffered a suspected shoulder problem and took no further part in the game.

Abraham’s exit may be a worry for Villa but they kept pressing with substitute Keinan Davis causing problems.

When Wanderers did stem the tide Joe Williams fired wide from 20 yards but relegation was soon confirmed three games before the end of the season.

FourFourTwo Staff

FourFourTwo was launched in 1994 on the back of a World Cup that England hadn’t even qualified for. It was an act of madness… but it somehow worked out. Our mission is to offer our intelligent, international audience access to the game’s biggest names, insightful analysis... and a bit of a giggle. We unashamedly love this game and we hope that our coverage reflects that.

Latest in
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is expected to sanction plenty of sales this summer
When does the summer transfer window open?
Arne Slot and Mikel Arteta could both do with improving their respective attacks this summer
Arsenal to make bold move for Liverpool star with uncertain Anfield future: report
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 21: Phil Foden of England reacts during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifier between England and Albania at Wembley Stadium on March 21, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
'When I see Phil Foden play, he just seems like a shy lad - that holds him back a little bit. He has been tried in every position, but he just hasn’t performed': Ex-England star makes bold claim about Manchester City man
Arsenal's William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes embrace each other in celebration at full-time of the Premier League match against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux on 25 January, 2025
Arsenal face losing Gabriel AND William Saliba, as new fears arise: report
Kevin De Bruyne of Man City in action during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Ipswich Town FC at Etihad Stadium on August 24, 2024 in Manchester, England.
Kevin De Bruyne touted for shock move to South American giants: report
LEVERKUSEN, GERMANY - MAY 18: Jose Mourinho, Head Coach of AS Roma, celebrates after the UEFA Europa League semi-final second leg match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and AS Roma at BayArena on May 18, 2023 in Leverkusen, Germany. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)
Jose Mourinho planning Premier League raid for superstar: report
Latest in News
Arne Slot and Mikel Arteta could both do with improving their respective attacks this summer
Arsenal to make bold move for Liverpool star with uncertain Anfield future: report
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 21: Phil Foden of England reacts during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifier between England and Albania at Wembley Stadium on March 21, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
'When I see Phil Foden play, he just seems like a shy lad - that holds him back a little bit. He has been tried in every position, but he just hasn’t performed': Ex-England star makes bold claim about Manchester City man
Arsenal's William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes embrace each other in celebration at full-time of the Premier League match against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux on 25 January, 2025
Arsenal face losing Gabriel AND William Saliba, as new fears arise: report
Kevin De Bruyne of Man City in action during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Ipswich Town FC at Etihad Stadium on August 24, 2024 in Manchester, England.
Kevin De Bruyne touted for shock move to South American giants: report
LEVERKUSEN, GERMANY - MAY 18: Jose Mourinho, Head Coach of AS Roma, celebrates after the UEFA Europa League semi-final second leg match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and AS Roma at BayArena on May 18, 2023 in Leverkusen, Germany. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)
Jose Mourinho planning Premier League raid for superstar: report
Jack Grealish
Manchester City report: Jack Grealish poised for European switch, with price revealed