Aston Villa 2-0 Bologna: Match review and player ratings

Aston Villa made it three wins from three in this seasons UEFA Champions League, elevating them to top spot in the league phase table. Villa brushed aside Italian side Bologna at Villa Park to continue their excellent start to the season. Across all competitions, Villa have now won nine, drawn two and lost only once.

Match report

The atmosphere around Villa Park in the build-up to and during the game was electric, with some saying it was even better (somehow!) than the Bayern Munich game. The club's tifo banner and effects across the stands created a lively atmosphere, alongside the loud and vibrant opposing fans.

Bologna started the game well and created the first real goalscoring opportunity. A glorious touch off his chest by Dan Ndoye took him infield past Ezri Konsa. He slid a superb through ball to the onrushing Thijs Dallinga, but his shot was saved fairly comfortably by Emi Martinez. A few moments later Bologna thought they were in again when Giovanni Fabbian sprinted clear down the left-hand side. His dangerous cross-shot was put behind by Ian Maatsen before the flag was raised for offside. Footage showed the goal would likely have counted via a VAR check had the ball ended up in the net. The early warning signs showed Bologna was dangerous in attack.

Despite this, Villa controlled the ball for most of the first half and grew into the game shortly after that early flurry of opportunities for the visitors. Jhon Duran flicked on an excellent header towards goal from a Youri Tielemans inswinging corner but was well saved by Bologna keeper Lukasz Skorupski. Some excellent build-up play and determination on the ball by Ian Maatsen led to John McGinn firing in a shot from the left-hand side of the box, but again the Skorupski was equal to it.

The first half saw more exquisite football and interplay by the men in Claret and Blue. In particular, Youri Tielemans and Morgan Rogers were causing havoc for the Serie A side's defence. It was Rogers himself who had the final couple of chances before halftime. As injury time began, he fired a left-footed shot narrowly wide from 25 yards out, before the best chance of the game to that point fell his way just before the halftime whistle. Leon Bailey, who struggled during the first half, played a superb ball to Rogers who flicked the ball through the defender's legs with his first touch to see him go one-on-one with Skorupski. Unfortunately, his driven effort along the turf was comfortably saved and Villa went into the half-time interval all square with their visitors, despite the incredible level of football on display.

Villa run away with it in the second half

The home side's tempo was quick from the start of the half as they attacked the Holte End. Leon Bailey had a great chance to put his side ahead just two minutes into the second half after Ezri Konsa's knock down fell at his feet. He could only thrash his effort wide of the mark from seven or eight yards out.

Ezri Konsa's surging run down the right five minutes later resulted in Remo Freuler bringing him down and receiving a yellow card. John McGinn stepped up to take the free-kick from just inside the touch line on the right hand side. The Villa skipper's inswinging cross went all the way through the crowded penalty and into the far corner without a touch, giving his team the lead their fluid attacking football deserved. It was a proud moment for the Villa captain, playing in his first Champions League game at Villa Park having missed the victory over Bayern Munich through injury. From scoring the goal to give the club promotion back to the Premier League in 2019 to scoring on his home debut in Europe's elite competition. It's been quite a journey for the man from Glasgow.

Just five minutes later the home team doubled their lead. Diego Carlos played an immaculate ball over the top of the Bologna defence to Morgan Rogers. The former Middlesbrough player's first touch took him away from goal, but after regathering he whipped in a perfect cross for Villa's 'talk of the town' Jhon Duran. The Colombian finished smartly first time with his left foot from just inside the six-yard box. That is now eight goals for club and country already this season.

The remainder of the half was comfortable for Villa, although did have a late scare when Bologna centre-half Sam Beukema crashed his header against the post from close range. The evening ended with Jacob Ramsey racing through on goal down the left-hand side after a wonderful one-two with Morgan Rogers. Ramsey raced clear of the Bologna defence and seemed destine to score. However, after a brilliant run, his effort was straight at Skorupski and the full-time whistle blew just seconds later.

Another magnificent victory for Aston Villa to all but guarantee a spot in the play-off round. With a 100% record so far, Unai Emery and his team will be hoping to go one better and maintain their position in the top eight, which would see them progress to the knock-out phase automatically.

Before going onto the player ratings, special mentions must go to Morgan Rogers (who tormented the Bologna defence all evening with his bulldozing dribbling), Youri Tielemans (who was just tremendous, again!) and Ian Maatsen (who was the best player on the pitch in his first proper start for the club).

Player ratings

Emi Martinez - Following his penalty heroics at Craven Cottage, Martinez had to make a few smart saves early on to keep Villa level in this game. He did what he needed to do and was brilliant on the ball as he always is. 8

Ezri Konsa - Most of Bologna's attacking threat in the first half came down Konsa's channel and he struggled a little to deal with Dan Ndoye. However, he was composed on the ball and was fairly solid throughout. 7

Diego Carlos - The Brazilian seems to have dusted off the criticism and early-season wobbles as he was once again outstanding in defence. Solid in his tackles and in the air, he defended very well. He also played a brilliant ball in the build-up to the second goal. 8

Pau Torres - Torres was fairly untroubled defensively and was at his usual best when threading those balls through the lines. Confident performance. 7

Ian Maatsen - The former Chelsea left-back started just his second game this season and he was absolutely superb. Dangerous in attack and solid in defence with his pace, he showed Villa have two brilliant options at left-back and will hope he can steal Lucas Digne's regular starting place. 9

Amadou Onana - The Belgian was solid in the first half, winning three of his four ground duels and misplacing just one pass. He came off at half time as a precaution after Emery said after the game that he was feeling "some pain". 6

Youri Tielemans - I think Villa fans are starting to run out of words to describe his performances each week. Brilliant on and off the ball, he conducts the game so well and controls each game he plays with ease. 9

Leon Bailey - He is working hard to make things happen but at the moment it just isn't going his way. The Bailey of last season would likely have scored one of his couple of chances and the confidence seems to have gone that made him one of the league's best attacking players last season. He did make a few nice passes to create opportunities for teammates. 6

John McGinn - The Villa skipper produced a very strong performance and scored his first Champions League goal to give his team the lead. Eating up the ground in typical McGinn fashion, he showed everyone what the team had missed in his absence through injury. 8

Morgan Rogers - The youngster will likely come away from the game frustrated that he didn't get on the scoresheet having missed a couple of good opportunities. However, his dribbling and attacking flair caused mayhem in the Bologna defence and it is scary how good he is becoming in such a short space of time. Reminiscent of the way a certain Jack Grealish used to terrify opposition defenders when playing in a Villa shirt. 9

Jhon Duran - Awarded the official UEFA Player of the Match, Duran scored the second to seal the game for Villa moments before being replaced by Ollie Watkins. He made himself busy and a nuisance throughout and did well on the ball. 8

Subs

Ross Barkley - Booked only moments after coming onto the pitch. Controlled the game nicely in possession and dictated the flow of the game at the desired pace, whether that was to sting the opposition's attack or get Villa going forward. 6

Ollie Watkins - Lead the line well for the half an hour he played, but had little impact on the game at a time when the game was done and dusted. Will no doubt return to the starting line-up on Saturday against Bournemouth. 6

Jaden Philogene - Flashed an effort miles wide of the goal a few moments after entering the field, but otherwise caused problems down the right and worked hard off the ball. 6

Jacob Ramsey - Looking back to his best in the win over Fulham, he looked just as good when he came on in this game. Confident in possession, he carried a great threat going forward. Should have scored in the final few moments of the game. 6

Boubacar Kamara - A wonderful moment for him, his manager, his teammates and the fans. After missing nine months through injury he made his return to the pitch and put in a couple of superb tackles to remind everyone what they had been missing. 6

Man of the Match

UTV