Overview

• John McGinn’s 13th‑minute drive secured a 1-0 Europa League victory over Bologna at Villa Park to open Aston Villa’s group campaign.
• Ollie Watkins came on as a second-half substitute, won a penalty and saw his kick saved by Lukasz Skorupski, prolonging his goal drought.
• Marco Bizot, recalled in goal, protected the lead with key stops, including a late save from Martin Vitik after Santiago Castro had struck the crossbar.
• Unai Emery rotated with four changes, starting Bizot, Pau Torres, Ian Maatsen and Donyell Malen, while Jadon Sancho made his Villa debut from the bench.
• The result ends a winless start that included Emery’s criticism of a ‘lazy’ defence and follows Monchi’s departure, with Fulham up next in the Premier League.