Aston Villa secured a memorable 1-0 win over Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Wednesday night, thanks to a Jhon Duran second-half winner.
After overcoming a nervy start during which the visitors dominated possession, Villa gradually began to settle into the game and pose a threat of our own.
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Nevertheless, it was a strong defensive performance that inspired the victory, as we kept things tight but also had Emiliano Martinez to thank for making key saves to help protect our clean sheet.
The entire team put in an exceptional shift from a physical and mental perspective given the discipline, organisation and determination that we showed throughout, and so it’s now back-to-back Champions League wins to start our European campaign this season.
Aston Villa player ratings vs Bayern:
Emiliano Martinez, 9 – Made a string of superb saves throughout the game to keep a clean sheet, but particularly late on as he refused to be beaten. Decisive impact in a big game, Martinez thrives off it.
Ezri Konsa, 8 – Brilliant defensive shift as he nullified the Bayern threat down his flank for the most part in a composed, focused and diligent display.
Diego Carlos, 8 – Excellent response after a shaky couple of games in which he’s been guilty of making costly errors. Switched on throughout and used his physicality really effectively against Harry Kane in a commanding effort.
Pau Torres, 8.5 – Unfortunate to have a goal ruled out, but his defensive display was superb. Read the game well to intercept and break up play, composed in possession and produced a stunning ball through to Duran for the winner.
Lucas Digne, 8 – Made some really important interventions and similarly to Konsa, helped to limit Bayern’s attacking threat down his side of the pitch with a solid defensive shift.
Amadou Onana, 7.5 – Really important presence in helping to protect the backline and break Bayern’s rhythm at times. Looked to be struggling with a knock before eventually being replaced on the hour mark.
Youri Tielemans, 8 – The Belgian ace was absolutely everywhere in the first half as he put out fires all over the pitch. Eventually, as Villa gained a foothold and more possession, he was key in helping us break quickly and add a threat of our own.
Jaden Philogene, 8 – Big call from Emery to start the talented youngster, but he repaid that faith. Versatile enough to adapt to different positions and roles during the game, he put in a crucial defensive shift to help keep a lid on Bayern’s full-backs and attacking play in wide areas. Great to see him step up and deliver when asked to do a job by the Villa boss.
Morgan Rogers, 8 – Looked to be tiring as the second half went on, but my word, when he turns out of pressure and breaks away from his marker, he looks unstoppable. Another bright display that showcased his ability and potential on the big stage.
Jacob Ramsey, N/A – Worked hard for the team in the opening stages but was unfortunately forced off with an injury after 27 minutes. Appeared to suggest it was a groin problem, and so it’s hoped that he hasn’t done himself significant damage to warrant a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
Ollie Watkins, 8 – His touch, link-up play and all-round impact is so much more impactful now compared to the start of the season, and he relished his battle with Dayot Upamecano. Didn’t quite pose a serious goalscoring threat, but he played a pivotal role in leading the line for us and tiring the Bayern backline for Duran to exploit it.
Substitutes:
Leon Bailey, 6 – Emery confirmed after the game that he’s still struggling with some pain and isn’t 100 percent, and that showed in his performance. Looked off the pace and lost possession a lot before being replaced himself. Hopefully gets himself fully fit and back to top form soon.
Ross Barkley, 7 – Showed good touch and awareness to help us break with speed, added a bit more control for us in midfield in the latter stages as we tried to get on the front-foot a bit more.
Ian Maatsen, 6.5 – Looked sharp and dangerous after coming on as he had a chance that he blazed over the bar. Struggled a bit after that to keep up the tempo, but a positive impact and important in our defensive structure to keep Bayern out.
Jhon Duran, 8.5 – Brilliant impact off the bench once again as he produced an exceptional finish to secure the win for us. He also continues to impress with his work-rate and attitude when coming on as he’s battling hard for the team. Another decisive contribution in what has been a superb start to the campaign.
