AZ Alkmaar 1-4 Aston Villa: Unai Emery’s side score four goals again as they claim dominant Europa Conference League win
Aston Villa’s good form in front of goal continued as they stormed to a stunning 4-1 win away at AZ Alkmaar to top their Europa Conference League group.
AZ were semi-finalists in this competition last season but were blown away by Unai Emery’s clinical side, who took a 2-0 lead at half-time thanks to goals from Leon Bailey and Youri Tielemans.
Ollie Watkins’ ninth goal of the season and John McGinn’s close-range strike added sparkle to the standings after half-time, although AZ pulled one back through Ibrahim Sadiq’s stunning effort from distance.
In total, Villa scored four goals from five shots, taking their tally to 16 goals in their last five matches, all of which saw Emery’s side remain unbeaten.
How Villa stormed to win at Alkmaar
AZ had the first chance of the match when Evangelos Pavlidis crossed from the left for Dani de Wit, whose header in the penalty area went just wide after a heavy deflection off Clement Lenglet.
But Villa soon had the advantage when Bailey turned and fired past Mat Ryan on the edge of the penalty area in the AZ goal, just seconds after the Villa winger botched a one-on-one by failing to make a to get a shot away.
AZ tried to respond by shooting Pavlidis straight at Emiliano Martinez, but it didn’t take long before the visitors got a second.
John McGinn intercepted Sven Mijnans’ weak square pass in the AZ half and drove home before finding himself in front of the unmarked Tielemans in the penalty area. The Belgian midfielder took a knock before ending up under Ryan’s legs.
AZ then had a wonderful chance to equalize when Villa almost scored a goal at the back. Boubacar Kamara lost the ball to Mijnans on the edge of his penalty area, giving Pavlidis plenty of time to shoot past Martinez.
However, the AZ attacker’s commitment was too high, as he had the clearest chance of the first half.
That goal proved crucial, as Villa took third place shortly after half-time. Bailey was released by Tielemans after good switching play from Watkins. Bailey’s shot was parried, but Watkins had circled and tapped home the third.
Aston Villa player Ollie Watkins scored his ninth goal of the season after the break
Five minutes later it was four minutes when Kamara released Bailey on the right flank and he crossed for McGinn, who tapped in at the near post after a fine point.
Villa felt the game was over at that point and they were caught out on half-time when substitute Bruno Martins Indi played a stunning long ball across the pitch for Sadiq, who chested the pass home before firing into the bottom corner from distance Martinez found.
Despite the hosts gaining confidence from that consolation goal – with Tiago Dantas going close shortly after Sadiq’s strike – Villa secured victory with ease and without urgency.
Analysis: Villa just can’t stop scoring
Sam Blitz from Sky Sports:
Aston Villa were truly clinical in the 4-1 win over AZ Alkmaar. Five shots, four goals. The only shot they didn’t score with? A few seconds later the ball was bounced back into the net.
What was also impressive is the kind of goals Villa scored on Thursday night. They took a 2-0 lead from just 0.15 xG from the two shots, showing the clinical mood they are currently in.
Then there is the staff that scores for Villa. Leon Bailey and Youri Tielemans were the two players used in this Villa attack for the trip to AZ and took their chances, showcasing Villa’s depth. Ollie Watkins and John McGinn back in the form of their lives only adding to the excitement.
Next up for Unai Emery is Luton Town at Villa Park. The Hatters have the highest number of expected goals against at home in the Premier League this season. They cannot afford to give Villa the chances they have given other teams. Or they are also shipped comfortably.
What’s next?
Aston Villa return to Premier League action on Sunday when they host Luton – starts at 2 p.m.
Unai Emery’s side then travels to Nottingham forest on Sunday, November 5, live on Air sports – starts at 2 p.m.
Sunday, November 5, 1 p.m
Kick-off 2 p.m
AZs next game is at home NEC in the Eredivisie on Sunday – kick-off 3.45 pm.