Set-pieces eh? Where would the Premier League be without them? This time, it was Aston Villa who took full advantage to put Bologna to the sword in what will go down as a classic European game.
There was a clear game plan from Unai Emery, but it looked like that plan was about to be scrapped earlier than expected when the hosts came on. This wasn’t just a case of Villa absorbing any pressure, either. They were being beaten by the Serie A side.
The Villa manager has been here more than once before, however, and in the Europa League – his competition – the Spaniard is turning the pressure more on diamonds.
How Aston Villa escaped Bologna with a significant advantage
It was always going to be a tough test for Aston Villa in Bologna, but their decision to go man-to-man in their 4-2-3-1 formation opened the door to early pressure.
It saw the visitors set up camp in their own half, with Ollie Watkins alone and allowing Jonathan Rowe to win the battle against Matty Cash on numerous occasions.
As for Vincenzo Italiano, it was to be a tactical class when Santiago Castro opened the scoring, only for VAR to intervene and end any celebrations for Bologna.
And that was all the encouragement Aston Villa needed. While Watkins and the rest of the Villans’ forwards were isolated in open play, the recent trend of set-piece threats in English football quickly had its benefits.
Federico Ravaglia wasn’t sure where to stand when Youri Tilemans was there running away from his outstretched hands. He was in no man’s land and Villa were in the lead courtesy of Ezri Konsa.
Mistakes quickly signaled Bologna’s downfall. This time, it was Villa’s press that proved the most when they forced a mistake and allowed Ollie Watkins to score his second goal in as many games.
Rowe’s surprise goal threatened to turn things around, before Watkins capitalized on that threat to give Villa a vital 3-1 lead.
Best player for Aston Villa vs Bologna
Emery and the rest of Aston Villa’s departures would have breathed a sigh of relief when Tielemans was ready to start against Bologna. The Belgian player was injured but returned to the starting XI very quickly. With Villa ready to sit back and make the most of whatever they got, the midfielder’s return was always important.
An added bonus to the night was, of course, his delivery of the episode. The returnee bagged two assists, both from corners, to give his team his best before the second leg.
|
Tielemans vs Bologna |
|
|---|---|
|
Minutes |
90 |
|
To touch |
59 |
|
It helps |
2 |
|
Passes completed |
39/48 |
|
Opportunities are created |
4 |
|
Defense contributions |
5 |
|
It carries |
8 |
|
Duels won |
3/6 |
|
Recovery |
4 |
It was a complete performance from Tielemans, who is efficient and really firing on all cylinders since his return from injury. He just continues to be Emery’s dream.
Given that he arrived as a free agent in 2023, those in the Midlands will struggle to find a better player pound for pound than the 28-year-old under Emery.
With Watkins set to steal the headlines with his goals, it was no surprise that it was Tielemans who was quietly leading the vintage’s day on the European stage.
Even as his side ramped up the pressure, the coolest man on the pitch remained the former Leicester City man. The only criticism that has been sent his way in the past has been his body. That was put to good use against Bologna, as he completed five defensive tackles and four recoveries.
Meanwhile, he was playing as impressive football as ever – hitting seven passes in the final third and creating four chances.
It wasn’t always pretty for Aston Villa, but amid the chaos of their scares, it was Tielemans who remained as good as ever at the heart of Emery’s side.
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