UCL Matchday 1: Young Boys 0-3 Aston Villa
First day nerves? No chance. Villa returned in emphatic fashion to top-tier European football with a composed and ruthless win at Swiss champions Young Boys. Goals from Tielemans, Ramsey and Onana registered on a scoresheet that should have also included two more from Watkins and Duran ruled out by VAR.
Embed from Getty ImagesAfter a cautious start from Emery’s side in which our hosts tested Martinez, Villa soon settled and became more comfortable on the artificial pitch at the Wankdorf Stadium. For all of the reassurances that this surface plays similarly to grass, the ball certainly behaved differently to turf, with a particularly noticeable unnatural bounce. Ultimately this didn’t affect the outcome, but any suggestion that it isn’t different simply isn’t true on this viewing.
Villa sought to take the initiative and McGinn was unlucky after Watkins cushioned a header down into his path. The ball sailed over, but it was a sighter for what was to come. Soon after a corner was lofted with precision to Tielemans who was afforded all of the time he wanted to expertly control, before guiding an effort into the bottom corner. It was a fine goal from a player in top form and who excelled yet again in a Villa shirt.
Embed from Getty ImagesYoung Boys lost their composure at this point and it promptly led to some extremely casual defending in their own box. An inexplicable knock-back to the ‘keeper was pounced upon by Watkins who was brought down, only for Ramsey to fire home. The referee, poised to award a penalty, opted to award the goal. 2-0 and cruising.
Embed from Getty ImagesNext came the first moment of real contention involving VAR and what was to become a symptom of inconsistent on-field officiating across the evening. Watkins, having seen an effort rebound onto him from the defender blocking, composed himself before firing in to make it 3-0. The only person to think it was handball at the time and since was whoever was in control of VAR. Bafflingly and rather harshly, Watkins’ debut European goal was struck off.
The second half saw Carlos brought on for Bogarde. The former Seville defender in turn switched with Konsa, who slipped into the right-back position vacated by Bogarde. This was a wise tactical choice by Unai, given that the youngster was targeted for his inexperience both by Everton and Young Boys during the first period. Realistically, the Swiss side’s most feasible route of creativity needed to be plugged.
Villa remained in control and restricted Young Boys to half chances. Emery made another change, bringing on Duran for Watkins. The latter was visibly muted as he left the field, likely frustrated to be replaced by the man of the moment and having had a first Champions League goal unjustly denied. Duran was lively from the off and naturally found himself at the centre of the second contentious moment of the game soon-after.
As Villa began their build-up play, the ball bounced awkwardly on the plastic pitch and struck Onana on his arm. A clear hand ball that could be seen from space. An entire phase of play then ran its full course, before Duran played a fine ball wide, received it and curled a sumptuous effort into the bottom of the net. The Colombian duly took his celebration in front of the local ultras, climbing and jumping off the hoardings mere inches separating them. Duran likely thought the yellow card he received for the incitement was perhaps expected but what was less expected was VAR then commanding the match official to review Onana’s much earlier handball. Viewed in isolation it was of course a handball, unbelievably missed at the time. However, it happened so much earlier and was in such an irrelevant part of the pitch, it must stand as a fortunate decision for Young Boys. Again, it didn’t impact the result, but you have to question the standard of officiating, which was glaringly poor at times during our Europa Conference League experience.
There were other positives easy to overlook in such a controlled display. Carlos impressed in a footrace, coolly intercepting before Martinez cleared up a dangerous through ball. The Brazilian hasn’t enjoyed much luck since an injury early in his Villa career. Digne though is a real asset, providing endless width and countless dangerous balls into the box. He deserves his recent recall to the French squad on the sheer consistency of his displays alone. Torres was a Rolls Royce, purring away at centre-half.
Villa’s third put the tie beyond all doubt and, like buses, “worldies” come one after the other it appears. We were treated to Duran’s spectacular goal at the weekend, but Amadou Onana’s fierce drive from distance was as impressive. Onana’s effort was unstoppable, and the summer signing lapped up the travelling supports appreciation at full time. The imposing midfielder is proving popular since his arrival, and whilst this gentle giant still needs a little manicuring, the stewardship of Emery will no doubt develop what appears to be a hugely promising signing into something quite special.
Embed from Getty ImagesTo sum up then….
Nights such as these can build and be anti-climatic. However, Villa delivered, and they did it well. This was a composed, determined and ruthless display away in Europe against a side that has been dominant domestically. Young Boys aren’t Champions League newcomers either and can count Manchester United amongst their scalps. This is a great beginning and one which sets up the visit of Bayern Munich to Villa Park on ‘Matchday 2’ very nicely indeed.
EMERY POST MATCH
WATCH THE GOALS
Onana strike:
Youri Tielemans goal (who would go on to assist another and be awarded Man of The Match)
Jacob Ramsey goal: