Aston Villa have begun their Europa Conference League group stage campaign after defeating Zrinjski Mostar 1-0 at Villa Park.
John McGinn scored in the 94th minute to give Villa a much-needed victory after they were defeated by Legia Warsaw in their first group round match two weeks ago. Matty Cash came off the bench to assist McGinn’s winning goal, which he headed in from close range in front of the Holte End Reported by Express
All of the action took place in front of royalty, with Prince William, Tyrone Mings, and Emi Buendia watching from the Trinity Road Stand.
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Both Villa players suffered knee ligament injuries in the first week of the season and are expected to miss the remainder of the season.
Mings sat next to the Prince of Wales as Villa won their first group stage match in Europe in almost a decade. Emery was asked about Prince William’s appearance after the game.
“It’s the third time I’ve met him,” Villa manager Steve Bruce stated. He was here with us today.
“He met with the players, as well as myself and the coaches.” We were talking about Aston Villa and his desire to do something this year after hearing about us. We are all quite grateful to have met him.”
ROTATION ISSUES
Emery branded last night’s match as a much-win before kick-off. He was expected to make changes having also named much-changed sides for the cup games against Legia and Everton in recent weeks, but it is concerning that Villa have struggled without some of their key men from the off.
Emery made six changes to the starting side who thrashed Brighton 6-1 at Villa Park last weekend. In came Jhon Duran, Leander Dendoncker, Youri Tielemans, Diego Carlos, Clement Lenglet and Leon Bailey.
After a poor first half from a Villa perspective, Ollie Watkins, Douglas Luiz and Matty Cash were all called on to make a difference in the second period. Luiz took control of things in the middle of the park, while Watkins and Cash caused problems for the Zrinjski defenders.
Cash in particular was a catalyst for Villa’s strong second half showing, as Emery’s side peppered the opposition goal. The right-back put the ball on a plate for McGinn to win the game deep into stoppage time. Villa Park erupted in relief more than anything else. It was a huge three points.
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