The Holy Trinity: Aston Villa conclusions from Europa League win v Bologna

John McGinn scored the only goal of the game as Villa bagged their first win of 2025/26

In this update of assorted Europa League noticings, I should begin with the first thing I noticed on Thursday night, namely that these two teams cared about the match.

Aston Villa and Bologna stepped out onto the field at Villa Park like they meant it. Adding a Champions League place for the Europa League winners really has revolutionised European football’s secondary club competition.

Villa have improved. I think that much is obvious. They’re still not quite joined up in the final third but the first win was never going to be a barnstormer.

We take it and on we go. Up the fucking Villa.

Here’s your Holy Trinity of match conclusions.