Aston Villa player ratings gallery vs HSK Zrinjski: ‘Fantastic’ three score 8/10 but few get 6s in late win

Aston Villa left it late as they beat HSK Zrinjski 1-0 at Villa Park to get their Europa Conference League campaign up-and-running.

Captain John McGinn scored in the fourth of six additional minutes to break down Zrinjski, who had defended resolutely all night, but the Bosnian side could not hold on for the point.

Jhon Duran came too short and spun-in down the channel, and did well to stay on his feet and take on the shot which forced a corner. Nicolo Zaniolo had a shot but Konsa couldn’t get out of the way in what was a crowded penalty box.

Zaniolo had a freedom role to start off with and was inventive in the shot when he picked the ball up the edge of the box after Duran’s pass, and his low shot deflected off Josip Corluka away from goal.

Villa came under pressure and despite their early pressure, it was the visitors who created the first notable opportunity. Mario Tičinović burst down the left flank and put it behind for Nemanja Bilbija to shoot from six-yards out but Emi Martinez made a fantastic reactive save.

A moment of utter inspiration from Zaniolo saw him attempt a bicycle kick, and Marko Maric had to be alert to it. It was the most notable chance of the first-period for the hosts, who went in goalless at the break.

Unai Emery rang the changes at half-time and brought on Ollie Watkins, who thought he earned his side a penalty. The video assistant referee deemed that Slobodan Jakovljevic blocked Watkins’ header with his head rather than his hand.

Villa created another good opportunity which raised the temperature inside the ground. Diego Carlos tried to head home, but Maric first saved and then denied Carlos again who slid in on the rebound. Another opportunity came as Watkins headed Youri Tielemans’ lofted-ball across goal but Clement Lenglet’s header was blocked.

The Zrinjski goalkeeper was in inspired form, and made a good save to deny Tielemans. Matty Cash came on, and set the ball up nicely for him to hit a sweet shot, but he dived down well.

Aston Villa continued to pile bodies forward and Diego Carlos was brought off for Bertrand Traore. A corner-kick came in but Watkins couldn’t get a clear header at goal as six minutes of stoppage time were shown.

Home supporters finally had their moment to cheer as captain McGinn got his side out of jail. Matty Cash’ cross came in, and the Scotland international did brilliant to flick his header home.

Here’s how the Aston Villa players fared in the ratings following their result against Bosnian outfit HSK Zrinjski Mostar: