Aston Villa 2-0 Bologna PLAYER RATINGS: Which star was ‘a nuisance throughout’? Who overcame ‘a shaky start’? And which ‘big game’ player turned up yet again for Unai Emery’s side?
Aston Villa extended their unbeaten in the Champions League to three matches after beating Bologna 2-0 on Tuesday night.
Unai Emery‘s side took all three points thanks to goals from John McGinn and Jhon Duran, which saw Villa move temporarily top of the new-format table.
It was McGinn who opened the scoring with a free-kick that was intended as a delivery into the box but, instead, found its way into the back of the net.
Duran doubled Villa’s lead in the 63rd minute after latching onto a cross and neatly steering it into the far corner.
Mail Sport’s AADAM PATEL was at Villa Park to provide player ratings.
Aston Villa made it three wins out of three in the Champions League after beating Bologna
John McGinn opened the scoring with a free-kick in the second half at Villa Park
Jhon Duran (right) doubled the scoring shortly afterwards with a neat volley
Villa moved temporarily top of the new format Champions League after the win over Bologna
ASTON VILLA (4-2-3-1)
Emiliano Martinez – 7
Labelled the best keeper in the world by both Unai Emery and Matty Cash in the last few days and kept busy in the first half, making three big saves.
Ezri Konsa – 6.5
One of four Villa changes. Had a shaky start against Dan Ndoye but grew in the game and offered an attacking threat. Should have had an assist when Bailey dragged his shot wide.
Diego Carlos – 6
Villa’s high line was repeatedly breached by Bologna in the first half but the centre-half pairing were much improved after the break.
Pau Torres – 6
Excellent in possession, as always, but ended up on the other side of a telling off from Martinez as Bologna cut through too easily.
Ian Maatsen – 7.5
In for Lucas Digne and was terrific down the left flank all evening, with Riccardo Orsolini failing to keep track. Arguably Villa’s best player on the night.
Argentinian goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez made three big saves for Villa on the night
John McGinn proved yet again that he’s a big game player after scoring the opening goal
Amadou Onana – 6
Such a force but replaced for Ross Barkley at the break after picking up a few knocks in the first half.
Youri Tielemans – 6.5
So good at retaining the ball and was constantly involved. Unlucky not to get an assist when his corner found Duran, whose header was saved.
John McGinn – 7
Back in the starting XI. Delivered a reliably solid performance as Villa skipper and got the crucial goal to break the deadlock. Big game player.
Morgan Rogers – 7
What a talent. Excellent at carrying the ball and glided across the pitch on numerous occasions. If he can improve his finishing, he will be feared because he gets in some excellent positions. Got the assist for Duran’s goal.
Jhon Duran (left) was a nuisance throughout and continued his impressive scoring run
Leon Bailey – 5.5
Kept trying but just wasn’t his night, losing the ball five times in the first half and spurning big chances either side of the break, before he was replaced.
Jhon Duran – 7
A first Villa start since starting in the Carabao Cup last month and was a nuisance throughout. Impressive workrate and capped off with a deserved goal, before he was replaced. He just can’t stop scoring.
Substitutes
Ross Barkley – 6
On at half-time for Amadou Onana and made a difference.
Ollie Watkins – 6
Came on for Jhon Duran straight after he scored.
Ollie Watkins (right) made an appearance of the bench though didn’t have a notable impact
Jadon Philogene – 6
Replaced John McGinn in the 65th minute.
Jacob Ramsey – 6
On for Leon Bailey.
Boubacar Kamara – 6
Came on for Tielemans in the 78th minute for his first appearance since February after an ACL injury.
Manager
Unai Emery – 8
His stock continues to grow at Aston Villa. Another assured performance. Another tick in the box. Who knows how high the ceiling is for his side?
Unai Emery’s stock continues to grow at Aston Villa after yet another strong performance
Bologna (4-3-3)
Skorupszki 6; Posch 5, Beukema 5, Lucumi 5, Lykogiannis 5; Fabbian 5, Freuler 5, Urbanski 5 (Moro 66, 5); Orsolini 4 (Odgaard 45, 5), Ndoye 6 (Iling-Junior 78); Dallinga 6 (Castro 66, 5)
Subs unused: Bagnolini, Ravaglia, Holm, Casale, Corazza, Pobega, Miranda
Bookings: Oroslini, Posch, Lykogiannis, Freuler
Manager: Vincenzo Italiano (6)
Referee: Joao Pinheiro (6)
Attendance: 41,847
