Aston Villa secured a 2-1 win over Lille in the first leg of our Europa Conference League quarter-final tie, but had Emiliano Martínez to thank for a decisive performance.
Goals from Ollie Watkins and John McGinn ensured we take a lead into the return fixture in France next week despite conceding late on, and it could yet prove to be vital to the outcome of the tie given how finely poised it is.
READ MORE: What Unai Emery said in assessment of Villa’s 2-1 win vs Lille
While Villa will rue some missed opportunities of our own, the Ligue 1 outfit showed their threat throughout, and particularly with their home crowd backing them next Thursday evening, it promises to be a challenging assignment for the Villa players.
Nevertheless, it was important to come away from the first leg at home with a win, and Unai Emery saw his side successfully tick that box as we’ll hope to get the result we need to advance to the last four.
Aston Villa player ratings vs Lille:
Emi Martínez, 9 – Will be so frustrated to concede and was visibly annoyed late on with the chances we were conceding. However, he produced a string of world-class saves, three in particular in 1v1 situations that were exceptional, that will hopefully prove decisive to the outcome of this tie. Superb, and the MOTM.
Ezri Konsa, 6 – Assured in possession and resilient in his defensive work, but Villa have a real problem down that side. It was exploited by Brentford and Lille found joy too. As Konsa tucks inside, it leaves us badly exposed in advanced areas, and that is something Emery has to fix otherwise it will keep hurting us.
Diego Carlos, 5.5 – Lost his man for the goal and looked uneasy at times on the ball, as seen in the early stages where he almost gifted Lille a goal. Did show physicality and control as the game went on, but not his best outing.
Pau Torres, 7 – An excellent shift from the Spaniard, as he was key in keeping Lille’s attack through the middle quiet, while he was an orchestrator at the back with his composure and accurate distribution to allow us to bypass Lille’s pressure and build our attacks. Classy.
Lucas Digne, 6 – Did well defensively to nullify Lille’s threat down that side of the pitch, and tried to break forward on occasion to add an attacking impact too.
Leon Bailey, 6.5 – Always an air of excitement now when he picks up the ball and drives at defenders, and although he couldn’t quite get it right to make a decisive impact in the first half, it was his delivery across that set up McGinn for his goal.
Youri Tielemans, 6.5 – Battled hard in midfield to nip in and win possession back, while his technical ability allowed us to control the game at times. However, there is still a big question mark hanging over his partnership with Luiz in the heart of the side, as it does look lightweight and not defensively sound enough against top sides who are able to break our press and play between the lines.
Douglas Luiz, 6.5 – A decent shift from the Brazilian, but given his usual high standards, he’ll be slightly disappointed that he couldn’t be more impactful. Dictated and kept things ticking over for us, but along with Tielemans, the Villa pair couldn’t give us the control that Emery would have wanted as Lille caused us real problems with their physicality and ability to play through our midfield.
Morgan Rogers, 7 – Another impressive display as he continues to show a real spark with his ability to turn and run at defenders and create openings in the final third. Couldn’t add a decisive touch on this occasion, but positive again from the 21-year-old.
John McGinn, 7.5 – Brilliant work ethic from the Villa captain as he was tireless throughout in his pressing as he played in a more advanced role. Produced a top finish to double our lead just before the hour mark, and he’ll have a big role to play next week in helping us get over the line and through to the next stage with his leadership and ability to set the standard.
Ollie Watkins, 7.5 – Headed home the opener as he continues to provide a decisive touch in front of goal. He did have chances to add further goal involvements to his tallies this season, but was part of Villa being wasteful at times which we could yet rue in the second leg.
Substitutes:
Nicolo Zaniolo, 5.5 – Added energy and fresh impetus on and off the ball, but couldn’t make a significant mark on the contest.
Moussa Diaby, N/A
Alex Moreno, N/A
Jhon Durán, N/A
Tim Iroegbunam, N/A
