Overview

• John McGinn put Villa ahead after 13 minutes with a low strike from outside the box for the decisive goal.
• Ollie Watkins came off the bench, won a penalty and saw Lukasz Skorupski save his effort, extending the striker’s goal drought.
• Starting in goal after four changes to the XI, Marco Bizot made crucial late saves, including a stoppage-time stop from Martin Vitik, after Santiago Castro had hit the bar.
• The 1-0 result delivered Villa’s first win of the season and their first home goal after a lean start in front of goal.
• Unai Emery called on his team to build on the win before facing Fulham, with recent upheaval from Monchi’s resignation forming part of the backdrop.