Aston Villa began their Champions League campaign in style with a comfortable 3-0 win over Young Boys in Bern on Tuesday night.
Goals from Youri Tielemans, Jacob Ramsey and Amadou Onana sealed all three points for Villa as we started confidently on our return to Europe’s top table, and it was an impressive team performance.
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While we showed real quality in our attacking play throughout, it was also a mature display defensively as we kept a clean sheet and made the victory comfortable for the most part, and that will undoubtedly please Unai Emery.
Naturally, there were some stand-out individual showings as we controlled proceedings for large periods, and it’s hopefully a win that we can build on moving forward in the competition having made such a confident start.
Aston Villa player ratings vs Young Boys:
Emiliano Martinez, 7.5 – Although he wasn’t particularly troubled by anything, the Villa shot-stopper was kept busy throughout as he made important saves and commanded his area well. A top performance to lead the way in keeping a clean sheet.
Lamare Bogarde, 6 – A difficult first half for the youngster. Did relatively well with his defensive duties, but found it tough going to keep things tight on that side and was replaced at half-time as we looked vulnerable.
Ezri Konsa, 8 – Another top class performance from the Villa centre-half, irrespective of position as he shifted across after the break to fill in at right-back. Composed and in control both on and off the ball in a solid display.
Pau Torres, 8 – His technical ability and experience was key at the back, as he helped us dictate tempo and possession to control the game and put in a mature performance as a team.
Lucas Digne, 7 – Similarly to Bogarde, he struggled at times in the first half as Young Boys posed a threat in wide positions on both flanks. However, tightened things up in the second half and provided width down the left flank to stretch the pitch too.
Amadou Onana, 8 – A crucial physical presence in midfield as he broke up play effectively throughout to regain possession and get us back in the ascendency. Capped it off with a stunning strike from distance to wrap up our win.
Youri Tielemans, 8.5 – Superb, once again. Despite the difficultly of the surface, his technical quality and composure shone through as he pulled the strings in midfield and gave us control for most of the game. Took his goal wonderfully too as he showed a great first touch and finish to break the deadlock.
John McGinn, 7.5 – Vital in giving us a foothold and control in the encounter, as despite operating out on the right side, he still imposes himself on proceedings and leads by example. An important shift for the team and contributed to our threatening play in the final third.
Morgan Rogers, 8 – Still lacking that clinical edge to his play to turn his fine work into assists and goals, but he was a joy to watch, particularly in the first half. Showed great touch, ball-carrying ability and link-up play to pose a real problem to the Young Boys defence. Continues to step up through the levels and deliver.
Jacob Ramsey, 8.5 – Looking increasingly sharp as he is so effective at turning out of pressure and setting us off in attack. So smart with his movement to find pockets of space and occupy areas of the pitch where he can be a decisive presence, and so he’s continuing to make a fine start to the season after his injury woes last year. Bagged a goal on his Champions League debut to add the cherry on top.
Ollie Watkins, 7.5 – Shame he couldn’t get a goal, but his movement and contribution to our build-up play was excellent as he led the line really effectively. Came off on the hour mark, and it’s clear he’s still not 100 percent fit as he was seen with ice wrapped around his ankle/Achilles. It’s hoped that it’s not a serious issue.
Substitutes:
Diego Carlos, 7 – Difficult for him coming on halfway through having not yet featured this season, but one misplaced pass aside, he showed good concentration, recovery speed and physicality to help keep things tight at the back after the interval.
Jhon Duran, 7 – Sublime finish but saw his effort ruled out due to a handball in the lead up to the goal. Positive impact again, and with Watkins seemingly struggling with niggles still, Duran could be in line to start at the weekend.
Ian Maatsen, N/A
Ross Barkley, N/A
Emiliano Buendia, N/A