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 run in the Champions League to three games after beating Bologna 2-0 on Tuesday evening.
Unai Emery’s side took all three points thanks to goals from John McGinn and Jhon Duran, temporarily moving Villa to the top of the table in the new format.
It was McGinn who opened the scoring with a free kick that was intended to be a throw into the penalty area but instead ended up in the back of the net.
Duran doubled Villa’s lead in the 63rd minute after he collected a cross and sent it neatly 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 score shortly afterwards with a beautiful volley
After the victory over Bologna, Villa temporarily moved to the top of the new Champions League format
ASTON VILLA (4-2-3-1)
Emiliano Martinez (7)
Named the best goalkeeper in the world by both Unai Emery and Matty Cash in recent days, he stayed busy in the first half with three big saves.
Ezri Konsa (6.5)
One of four villa changes. Had a shaky start against Dan Ndoye but grew into the match and provided an attacking threat. Should have gotten an assist when Bailey dragged his shot wide.
Diego Carlos (6)
Villa’s high line was repeatedly broken by Bologna in the first half, but the centre-back combination was significantly improved after the break.
Paul Torres (6)
Excellent in possession, as always, but ended up at the other end after a Martinez tap-in when Bologna broke through too easily.
Ian Maatsen (7.5)
He came on for Lucas Digne and was brilliant on the left flank all evening, with Riccardo Orsolini failing to keep up. Undoubtedly Villa’s best player of the evening.
Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez made three big saves for Villa that evening
John McGinn once again proved he is a great player after scoring the opening goal
Amadou Onana (6)
Such a force, but was replaced by Ross Barkley at half-time after taking a few knocks in the first half.
Youri Tielemans (6.5)
So good at holding the ball and was constantly involved. He was unlucky not to get an assist when his corner found Duran, whose header was saved.
John McGinne (7)
Back in the starting eleven. Delivered a reliably solid performance as Villa skipper and got the crucial goal to break the deadlock. Great game player.
Morgan Rogers (7)
What a talent. Excellent at carrying the ball and slid across the pitch repeatedly. If he can improve his finishing he will be feared as he gets into some excellent positions. I got the assist for Duran’s goal.
Jhon Duran (left) was a nuisance throughout and continued his impressive scoring streak
Leon Bailey (5.5)
I kept trying, but it just wasn’t his night. He lost the ball five times in the first half and squandered big chances either side of half-time before being replaced.
John Duran (7)
A first Villa start since starting in the Carabao Cup last month and it was a nuisance throughout. Impressive work rate and finished with a deserved goal before being substituted. He just can’t stop scoring.
Substitutes
Ross Barkley (6)
At half time for Amadou Onana and made the difference.
Ollie Watkins (6)
He came on for Jhon Duran immediately after he scored.
Ollie Watkins (right) appeared on the bench but had no significant impact
Jadon Philogene (6)
Replaced John McGinn in the 65th minute.
Jacob Ramsey (6)
On to Leon Bailey.
Boubacar Kamara (6)
Substitute for Tielemans in the 78th minute for his first appearance since February after a cruciate ligament injury
Manager
Unai Emery (8)
His stock continues to grow at Aston Villa. Another assured performance. Another check in the box. Who knows how high the ceiling is on his side?
Unai Emery shares continue to grow at Aston Villa after 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
Trainer: Vincenzo Italiano (6)
Referee: Joao Pinheiro (6)
Attendance: 41,847