Far from Perfect – but Villa’s Europa League Journey Begins
At last, Aston Villa have their first win of the season. It came in Europe against Bologna, but it was anything but straightforward. The 1–0 scoreline hides a game full of nerves, missed chances, and a dramatic ending that left Villa Park exhaling in relief more than roaring in triumph.
McGinn Shows the Way
Villa struck early. After just 13 minutes, John McGinn pounced when Bologna’s defense froze and Morgan Rogers miscued his shot. The ball fell kindly, and McGinn drilled a low effort from the edge of the box. With the goalkeeper unsighted, it flew inside the post. That made it his fourth European goal from distance since last season – more than any other player in that period. Once again, the captain set the tone with both quality and determination.
Watkins’ Struggles Continue
Villa should have doubled their lead before the hour mark. Ollie Watkins burst into the box and was clipped by Martin Vitik, earning a penalty. It was the perfect chance to end his goal drought – but his spot-kick was weak, slow, and straight down the middle. Bologna keeper Lukasz Skorupski saved comfortably with his feet. Watkins’ frustration was clear, and Villa fans groaned as another chance slipped away.
Unai Emery, however, stood by his striker: “If he’s working for the team, that matters. Of course goals would help, but his effort is important too.” It was a clear message – Watkins is still central to Villa’s plans, even if the goals aren’t flowing.
Bologna Grow into the Game
The missed penalty gave Bologna hope. The Italian side, still finding their rhythm after a difficult summer, grew in confidence and pushed Villa back. Santiago Castro went closest when his powerful header smacked against the crossbar. Moments later, Jens Odgaard forced Villa keeper Marc Bizot into a frantic, back-pedaling save in stoppage time. Bizot had been a spectator for most of the night, but that one intervention preserved Villa’s fragile lead.
Meanwhile, Villa wasted promising counterattacks. Jadon Sancho, making his debut off the bench, struggled to click with his teammates, and Rogers showed flashes of promise but also frustration as opportunities broke down. The nervous energy inside the stadium was palpable as fans urged the team to simply see it out.
Relief More Than Joy
When the whistle finally blew, Villa had their win – but not the performance they wanted. After taking only three points from their opening five league matches, this was a much-needed step forward. Still, the contrast to last season’s thrilling Champions League nights was impossible to ignore.
Villa’s Europa League journey is underway. Three points are on the board, confidence can begin to rebuild, but nobody is fooled – this team has plenty of work left to do.
