Pau Torres excelled in Villa's 3-2 win over Club Brugge. | JOHN THYS/GettyImages
That’s a big win to get over the line and an important moment to build confidence for a new group.
Pau Torres put in one of his best performances for Villa a couple of weeks after one of his worst. Pulled a marauding run out of nowhere which led to the second goal and his backspinned pass caused Yann Sommer’s indecision for the third. Also made some crucial blocks and clearances in defence.
Victor Lindelof also put in a good shift alongside Torres, making some important interventions to prevent dangerous situations.
Joao Gomes bounced back brilliantly from his nightmare debut at Brighton. He was partially to fault for Brugge’s first goal as he left a player in acres of space in the penalty area, but he was combative, kept the ball under pressure impressively and was a threat at the other end, putting Buendia’s goal on a plate after a mazy run.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka did not make the most of his opportunity to put pressure on Matty Cash’s job security. He was too slow to get to the ball for both of Brugge’s goals and compounded the second error with a handball to give the hosts a way back into the game. Ironically, it was the type of handball Cash seems to commit multiple times per season.
It will take a while for the novelty of Zion Suzuki’s incredible distribution to wear off. He’s great to watch.
Unai Emery stuck with the trio of John McGinn, Emi Buendia and George Hemmings behind Jackson despite a meandering performance from two of the three against Hull City, and they rewarded him for that faith with goals. McGinn’s trademark curled finish was fantastic.
Hemmings was a threat all night down the left side and was up for the fight in a physical game in a hostile environment.
Jackson getting on the scoresheet early is important, and his role in the second goal should not be overlooked. His ability to creatively find teammates with flicks and backheels is something Ollie Watkins simply did not have in his toolbox.
Taking off Boubacar Kamara was an interesting decision by Emery, but he was vindicated as Ross Barkley performed well in what was becoming a one-on-one game where the ability to ride challenges and hold onto the ball was paramount.
Lamare Bogarde was rock solid after coming on at right-back to replace Wan-Bissaka. When it looks like his career could really kick on, he seems to take an immediate step back, but when he goes under the radar and expectations have been lowered, he seems at his best. His ability to fill in at multiple positions continues to be very useful.
Add us as a preferred source on Google