Aston Villa made it three wins and three clean sheets in three in the Champions League after securing a 2-0 victory over Bologna on Tuesday night.
Goals from John McGinn and Jhon Duran sealed the three points as we sit top of the Champions League table for the time being, and it was another impressive performance on the European stage.
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The visitors caused us problems in the early stages, but Villa gradually settled and grew into the game before creating some dangerous openings.
As we continued to probe, we were eventually rewarded with a breakthrough from McGinn’s in-swinging free-kick which found its way into the back of the net, before Duran netted again to wrap up the win.
Aston Villa player ratings vs Bologna:
Emiliano Martinez, 8 – Had to be switched on in the early part of the game as he was forced into making a few smart saves to keep it goalless. That in turn proved to be crucial in giving us a foundation to go on and win the game.
Ezri Konsa, 7 – Great to see him return from injury, and although he had his hands full down that side with Ndoye, stuck to his task diligently and got forward when possible too.
Diego Carlos, 8 – Another strong performance as he was physical and imposing defensively, while he had the composure and patience to help us build out from the back, including a key pass in the lead up to our second goal.
Pau Torres, 8 – Carried out his defensive duties with minimal fuss, but once again his influence in breaking the lines and playing around the press in our own third was critical to how we wanted to play.
Ian Maatsen, 8 – Really impressive shift from the Dutchman as he tries to break into the starting XI regularly. Showed good energy and intent in both phases as he took his chance and gave Emery a selection headache.
Amadou Onana, 7 – Came off at half-time and so it’s hoped that was more to do with a tactical switch than any fitness issues. Gave us a foothold in the first half as it went on with his physicality and athleticism.
Youri Tielemans, 8 – So important once again with his ability to dictate, set the tempo and control possession, while breaking the lines by finding our attacking players in pockets of space, which in turn adds rhythm and fluidity to our play.
Leon Bailey, 6.5 – Struggled again tonight but it’s important to note that the Villa winger isn’t hiding and lacking effort. He’s still putting in a shift for the team and is pushing to try and make something happen. Went desperately close to scoring in this one, hopefully something drops for him soon to give him a confidence boost.
Morgan Rogers, 8 – Mesmerising to watch him drive forward with pace and power while fending off opponents with ease. Was a threat throughout and it’s not just his physical attributes that stand out, but also his tactical intelligence and positional awareness to be so effective. Great assist for Duran’s goal.
John McGinn, 8 – Wonderful to see him lead the team out after missing the Bayern Munich win, and he provided us with another important boost on his return from injury. Broke the deadlock with a dangerous delivery into the box that went all the way through to the goal, while he put in some shift despite his lack of minutes in recent weeks.
Jhon Duran, 8 – Worked tirelessly up top to give us a focal point, and he added some excellent touches to help link things together. Eventually got his goal with excellent frontman play to nip in front of his marker and guide the ball into the back of the net. Will be delighted to have made another telling contribution.
Substitutes:
Ross Barkley, 7 – Added energy and fresh impetus in midfield to help us drive forward and build sustained pressure after coming on at half-time. Has key attributes to help change a game.
Ollie Watkins, 6 – Put in a shift for the team in leading the line for the final half hour or so, showing good movement and hold-up play to help us continue to threaten.
Jaden Philogene, 6 – Looked dangerous at times with his movement down the right side, a good contribution in the latter stages.
Jacob Ramsey, 6 – Was so frustrated not to score with the last kick of the game as he spurned a glorious chance. Similar to Philogene in that he added fresh legs and dangerous attacking play out wide.
Boubacar Kamara, N/A – Brilliant to see him back after so long, got valuable minutes to build his match fitness back up.