LONDON – Aston Villa crashed to a stunning 2-1 defeat against fourth tier Stevenage on Sunday in the Emirates FA Cup.
Villa was next to be shaken by Stevenage’s two-goal flurry in the closing minutes after Premier League teams Newcastle, Nottingham Forest, and Bournemouth were humiliated by lower-league opponents on Saturday.
Stevenage, who are presently second in League Two, benefited greatly from Aston Villa’s eight substitutions against them.
In the 33rd minute, Morgan Sanson gave Villa the lead, but Jamie Reid tied the score with a penalty kick in the 88th minute after Leander Dendoncker was dismissed for tripping Dean Campbell.
Campbell set off raucous Stevenage celebrations when he slammed in from a tight corner in the 90th minute.
“It is very unique. Since he has been with the club for more than 20 years, the chairman recently told me that today is the best day of his life,” said Stevenage manager Steve Evans, whose team’s fourth-round opponent is Championship outfit Stoke.
Unai Emery, the manager of the Villa said after the match: “The supporters deserve my sincere regrets. It was such a letdown today.”
