Aston Villa player ratings vs Bologna: Duran dazzles again as four score 8/10 | Football | Sport

Unai Emery’s Aston Villa maintained their perfect start to this year’s Champions League campaign with a classy 2-0 victory over Serie A outfit Bologna.

After a goalless first half, John McGinn opened the deadlock for the hosts just after the break, when the Scottish international’s inswinging freekick evaded everybody, including goalkeeper Lukasz Skorupski, before squeezing into the far corner.

Emery had rotated his XI, including handing a start to Jhon Duran, with the in-form Colombian striker Jhon Duran adding a stylish second 10 minutes later.

A job well done for Villa, who have taken well to life at Europe’s top table.

Express Sport hands out player ratings from another special night at Villa Park…

Emiliano Martinez – 6

Barely called upon at all for the entire 90 minutes. A third consecutive clean sheet in the Champions League for the Argentine.

Ezri Konsa – 6

Held his own, but much like his team-mates in the Villa defence, had very little to contend with.

Pau Torres – 7

Looked his assured self at the heart of the defence and comfortably swept up anything the Bologna attackers sent his way.

Diego Carlos – 6

Has taken some flack from Villa fans in recent weeks, so would’ve been thankful for an event-less 90-minute outing.

Ian Maatsen – 7

Found starts hard to come by at times this season but he was a constant menace on Aston Villa’s left-hand side. Sent Emery a message with his showing vs Bologna.

Youri Tielemans – 8

Ran the show in the midfield, threading passes through a hapless Bologna backline all night. Continues to prove himself as one of Villa’s key men during their stellar start to the season.

Andre Onana – 6

Subbed at the break. Didn’t make much of an impact during his 45-minute cameo.

Leon Bailey – 6

Not his finest night in claret and blue. Sloppy at times.

Morgan Rogers – 8

Ought to have got on the scoresheet in the first half but continually tormented the Bologna defenders with his trickery. Delivered an exquisite cross for Duran’s goal.

John McGinn – 8

Enjoyed a hero’s return to the starting XI and was a worthy scorer of Aston Villa’s second-half opener. Subbed off on the hour mark to a rapturous reception.

Jhon Duran – 8

Picked up where he left off last time out in the competition with another goal. Showed a real striker’s touch to sweep home from close range, but was understandably frustrated to be subbed off for Ollie Watkins.

Ross Barkley (Sub) – 6

His first involvement as a half-time substitute was to get a clumsy yellow card.

Ollie Watkins – (Sub) – 6

The wait for a Champions League goal goes on, with the sub kept quiet after coming on 30 minutes from time.

Jaden Philogene – (Sub) – 6

Jacob Ramsey – (Sub) – 5

Lacked the composure in front of the goal to add a third late on.

Boubacar Kamara – (Sub) – 6