Aston Villa secured their first win of the new Champions League campaign last night, with Unai Emery’s outfit defeating Club Brugge 3-2 in Belgium.
Three goals within the first 45 minutes of the encounter were enough to secure victory, but Nicolo Tresoldi’s second-half penalty threatened a late twist.
Nicolas Jackson, Emi Buendia and John McGinn managed to get themselves on the scoresheet, with the latter now the club’s leading scorer in all European competitions.
Such a clash saw the Villans net their first goals of the campaign, but who were the real shining lights during the club’s latest European victory?
Aston Villa’s star performers against Brugge
After failing to net on his opening outing for Villa, new striker Jackson desperately wanted to make a positive impression during his first European game for Emery’s men.
The Senegalese star found himself in the right place to capitalise on Yann Sommer’s mistake, with his underlying stats also showcasing his incredible performance within attacking areas.
He also managed to complete two dribbles along with countless runs in behind, which often saw him cause the opposition’s backline no end of trouble last night.
The 25-year-old’s excellent performance stretched to his ability to pick out a teammate, with the striker laying on three chances created for those around him in front of goal.
Jackson wasn’t alone in thriving within the attacking third, as captain McGinn once again demonstrated why he is one of the most underrated players within the club’s senior ranks.
He actually bettered the centre-forward’s tally of chances created last night, as the Scottish international managed to provide his teammates with four opportunities in the final third.
Even without the ball, the midfielder’s relentless nature was once again in full view, as he made four tackles and four ball recoveries to help see the victory out late on.
Aston Villa’s worst player vs Brugge has to be dropped
Despite winning the opening game of the Champions League campaign, boss Emery will still be somewhat disappointed by the performances of some of his senior squad members.
Full-back Ian Maatsen struggled at various moments of the encounter in Belgium, subsequently losing 67% of the ground duels he entered during the triumph.
The Dutch star also lost possession on 12 separate occasions and failed to create any chances, with the former Chelsea star unable to have an impact at either end of the pitch.
However, he wasn’t alone in failing to deliver during the win, as fellow full-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka also struggled to produce his best performance on his first start for the club.
The DR Congo international, who joined on loan from West Ham this summer with an obligation to buy in the region of £25m, was handed an opportunity to stake a claim for a regular starting role in the manager’s system.
It’s safe to say his showing would have had the opposite effect on his chances, as the 28-year-old endured an evening to forget despite the side getting off the mark in Europe.
Wan-Bissaka featured for 68 minutes of last night’s victory and gave away a penalty after being adjudged to have handled inside the area – leading to Tresoldi’s goal.
He also failed to win any of the three tackles he entered against the Belgian outfit, whilst also being dribbled past on two separate occasions by the likes of Carlos Forbs.
|
Aaron Wan-Bissaka – stats against Brugge |
|
|---|---|
|
Statistics |
Tally |
|
Minutes played |
68 |
|
Touches |
47 |
|
Pass accuracy |
92% |
|
Penalties conceded |
1 |
|
Crosses completed |
25% |
|
Tackles won |
0 |
|
Dribbled past |
2x |
|
Fouls committed |
1 |
Even when marauding forward with the ball, the DR Congo star was unable to make a positive impact, subsequently achieving a measly 25% cross completion rate.
The defender could also only register a measly tally of 47 touches last night, with goalkeeper Zion Suzuki registering more with 49 – showcasing the full-back’s struggles.
After such a showing, it’s safe to say Matty Cash’s role as the club’s starting right-back is safe for now, with the loanee needing to reach the next level if he’s to fight for a starting role.
Whilst it’s certainly early days in his career at Villa Park, Wan-Bissaka will need to reach the next level if he is to capture the hearts of the fanbase in the West Midlands.
However, after such a performance, it’s vital the manager drops the full-back to the bench at the weekend as the Villans host Nottingham Forest on Saturday afternoon.
