Aston Villa player ratings after invaluable Europa League away win at Bologna
Ezri Konsa and Ollie Watkins gave Villa an advantage in their quarter-final tie
Aston Villa will take a 3-1 lead into the second leg of their Europa League quarter-final against Serie A side Bologna.
Villa were well rested after 17 days without a competitive match but sat in quite happily for much of the first half. Bologna turned the screw and were unlucky to have a goal disallowed before the visitors opened the scoring against the run of play.
Ollie Watkins doubled Villa’s lead early in the second half and they were comfortable enough from there on in. While Unai Emery’s team certainly had to live on their wits in some key moments, this goes down as another important and professional away performance in the Europa League.
Advantage Villa? Maybe. If they’re as savvy at Villa Park next week, they’ve got every chance.
Here are the first leg ratings:
Emiliano Martínez - 7
Not shy about trying to pick out Ollie Watkins or Morgan Rogers with long passes. Quick feet to make the comfortable first save of the match. Rescued Villa from a short Ezri Konsa backpass just after the hour and made a terrific save to tip over from Jonathan Rowe in the last ten minutes. Rowe beat him to make it 2-1 very late in the day.
Matty Cash - 5
Outmuscled by Rowe on the edge of the Villa box in the early minutes and was later sucked in again before Rowe caused him another problem for Bologna’s disallowed goal.
Did well to block a cross from the English winger in the middle of the first half and kept him a little quieter in the second period but Rowe grew into the situation and scored a pearler.
Ezri Konsa - 5
Unfortunate touch to lift what would have been the first goal over Martínez. Got himself tied up with the ball soon after the disallowed goal and Villa should have conceded from it.
Headed in the opener against the run of play just before half time.
Pau Torres - 5
Saw a fair bit of the ball early in the game and generally dealt with it smartly. Beaten to the ball by Lewis Ferguson in front of the Villa goal with Villa rocking during the first half.
Lucas Digne - 5
Lived the dream by kicking Federico Bernardeschi up the arse but wasn’t quite as accurate with his forward passing before the break. A quiet but largely composed game.
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Youri Tielemans - 6
First start since January and was required to demonstrate some sharpness in the opening 15 minutes. Lifted a tremendous long free kick in behind for Watkins at the end of that period. Started to run the midfield after the break but faded as Bologna pushed to get back in the tie.
Generally excellent with the ball in a team that otherwise struggled with it at times. Tremendous corner kick delivery to set up Konsa’s goal.
Amadou Onana - 6
Good start out of possession and full of running but drifted out of the game once Villa settled into a deep block. Blocked a Rowe shot to set Villa on the break immediately after the opening goal. An increased influence on the game with Villa in front until he was substituted with ten minutes left.
John McGinn - 5
Deployed in his usual nominally attacking role but unable to affect the game until he cut in late in the first half and curled Villa’s first shot just wide. Looked more likely to progress the ball early in the second half and looked after it well.
Morgan Rogers - 4
Led the press with Watkins but barely in the game in possession in the first half. Offered powerful running in fleeting moments but also took unnecessary risks on the ball in his own half. Not effective enough when called upon to look after the ball but nearly knuckled in a third goal for Villa.
His frustration grew in a pretty poor display and he was booked late on. Not for the first time this season, his team needs more from him.
Emi Buendía - 6
Seldom shy out of possession but limited impact with the ball. Started to have an impact when his energy won him the ball back late in the first half. He did the same out wide five minutes into the second half to make Villa’s second goal and looked a different player after the interval.
Sent a couple of efforts over the top with Villa two goals to the good. Substituted late.
Ollie Watkins - 7
Looked to run in behind while Villa were sitting quite deep in the first half. Showed quick-thinking, good strength and very smart finishing to slot in Villa’s second goal. Looked much more of a threat after finding the net and his hold-up play improved to boot.
Produced a really good second period and capped it with one of the most important goals of Villa’s season to make it 3-1 with the last kick of the game.
Substitutes
Lamare Bogarde (for Onana, 80) - Late substitute. N/A
Ian Maatsen (for Buendía, 88) - Late substitute. N/A
Leon Bailey (for Rogers, 88) - Late substitute. N/A