Aston Villa player ratings vs Bologna: three standout stars score 8 but one ‘terrible’ 4

Aston Villa got their UEFA Europa League campaign off to a winning start, seeing off Italian Serie A outfit Bologna by one goal to nil on Thursday evening.

John McGinn’s 13th-minute half-volley was enough to claim all three points to kick off the league phase and, crucially, Villa’s first win of the season, but it was still far from convincing. Bologna hit the crossbar in the second half and probably edged it on the night, but Villa, who missed a penalty through Ollie Watkins, were able to hold on to their fragile lead.

McGinn’s goal, from 20 yards, was brilliantly taken after an Emiliano Buendia corner was played short. Bologna could only clear the set piece as far as McGinn, who cushioned the ball on his left foot and half volleyed into the bottom right-hand corner. The effort was placed beautifully into the side netting, giving goalkeeper Lukasz Skorupski no chance.

Watkins, fresh off the bench, had the perfect opportunity to end his goal drought as he won a penalty in the 66th minute. But the England international fluffed his lines, seeing his spot-kick saved by the feet of Skorupski. Watkins, perhaps devoid of confidence, opted to go down the middle but his effort lacked conviction.

Bologna had a superb chance to equalise just a few minutes after Watkins’ missed penalty as Santiago Castro clattered the crossbar with a close-range header. It was a superb cross from Riccardo Orsolini but Castro was unable to convert. There was then a last-gasp opportunity for Martin Vitik, but his header was tipped acrobatically over the crossbar by Bizot.

Villa goalkeeper and defence ratings vs Bologna

Marco Bizot - The Dutchman, standing in for the injured Emiliano Martinez, deserves the clean sheet after making a handful of comfortable saves from Bernadeschi, Odgaard and Holm – as well as the terrific stop from Vitik at the death. Bizot had mixed success with his distribution as he sold McGinn short and put a pass out for a throw early doors but improved as the game went on. 8

Matty Cash - Seemingly a yellow card magnet, Cash was booked for a foul on Cambiaghi in the first half. The right-back struggled to deal with the Bologna winger and wasn’t as involved as hoped in the attacking third. 6

Ezri Konsa - It was a robust performance from Konsa, who patrolled Villa’s back line with assurance. The 27-year-old didn’t run into any trouble, with much of Bologna’s threat instead coming from wide areas. 7

Pau Torres - It was a much-improved performance from Pau, who was much more composed in possession than we’ve seen recently. The Spaniard was also strong defensively as he made several important clearances and recoveries throughout. 7

Ian Maatsen (off 75’) - Albeit more direct than Digne, Maatsen was unable to make as much of an impact as Emery would have wanted. The left-back also let Bernadeschi cut in on his left foot too often. 6

Villa midfield and attack ratings

Boubacar Kamara - Villa’s number 44 battled superbly to dominate at the base of midfield, winning his fair share of shackles. Kamara also showed good awareness to set up Malen for a good chance in the first half, while his close control was impressive. 8*

John McGinn - The super skipper roared Villa Park into life with what turned out to be the winning goal, converting expertly on the edge of the area. McGinn scrapped well in the middle of the park, definitely his better position rather than out wide. 8

Emiliano Buendia (off 58’) - Involved in the goal, Buendia fired in the low delivery that was cleared out to McGinn. The Argentine, making his fourth start of the campaign, was otherwise ineffective out on the left. 6

Morgan Rogers - The England international continued his terrible run of form with another uncharacteristically flat display. Rogers often took too long with his decision-making and wasn’t anywhere near as fluid on the ball as he was last season. The sarcastic cheers at a pass completed late on say it all sadly. He’s really lacking confidence at the minute. 4

Evann Guessand - After having the first shot on target of the night following a brilliant driving run with the ball, Guessand did very little of note. The summer signing, playing on the right flank, made most things look a lot tougher than they should have been. 5

Donyell Malen (off 58’) - Malen made some great runs in the channels and linked up well with Buendia but was too slow to shoot when presented with his best opportunity. 6

Villa substitute ratings

Jadon Sancho (on 58’) - The Manchester United loanee didn’t take on his man enough, but he did his defensive duties well. Sancho fired well high and wide with his only shot. 6

Ollie Watkins (on 58’) - Watkins missed his penalty as he shot straight at Skorupski’s feet. He deserves credit for winning it in the first place, but it was disappointing to see him fail from 12 yards. 6

Lucas Digne (on 75’) - Digne got stuck in but came on too late to have a major involvement in the game.