The Villans announced themselves back at the top table of European football thanks to a superb display in Switzerland
Goals from Youri Tielemans, Jacob Ramsey, and Amadou Onana earned Aston Villa a 3-0 win at Young Boys as they marked their return to the Champions League in style.
After initially looking ill-equipped to deal with the Swiss side's artificial pitch, the visitors took the lead against the run of play through Tielemans' bouncing effort in the 27th minute. Young Boys seemed to lose all confidence with that goal, and 11 minutes later it was 2-0 after Ramsey tucked home following a calamitous back pass from Mohamed Ali Camara.
Ollie Watkins had a goal ruled out shortly before half-time for a perceived handball as Emery's team threatened to run riot, and substitute Jhon Duran then looked to have made it 3-0 in the 78th minute, only for the goal to be chalked off as Onana handled earlier on in the move.
It mattered little, though, as the Belgian scored a stunning strike from 25 yards four minutes from time as the 1982 champions marked their first match in the competition for 42 years with an eye-catching victory.
GOAL rates Aston Villa's players from Wankdorf Stadium…
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Emiliano Martinez (8/10):
Got his team out of a couple of dangerous situations with some alert goalkeeping and made some good saves throughout.
Lamare Bogarde (6/10):
A couple of threatening Young Boys attacks happened on his side of the pitch, but he didn't do too much wrong. Was taken off at half-time for tactical reasons.
Ezri Konsa (8/10):
Looked calm and composed both centrally and when he moved over at right-back. Little troubled the England international.
Pau Torres (8/10):
Helped keep his side level after a bright start from the home side, thanks to some smart defending. Popped up in the opposition box on a couple of occasions to help Villa's attack, too.
Lucas Digne (8/10):
Made a number of surging runs down the left flank and was involved in the build-up to his side's second goal. The Frenchman looked at ease all night.
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Amadou Onana (8/10):
Swept up some Young Boys attacks in competent fashion. The lanky midfielder has taken his game to a new level under Emery; plus, he capped off a fine performance with a rasping strike from range.
Youri Tielemans (8/10):
Played a huge role in clicking Villa into gear, dictated the tempo, and took his goal with aplomb. The Belgium international's strong start to the season shows no signs of abating.
John McGinn (7/10):
The Villa captain provided the assist for Tielemans' opener but was, arguably, the quietest of the midfielders.
AFPAttack
Morgan Rogers (7/10):
Began the game in a slightly sloppy fashion, as his touch was sluggish, but he recovered nicely as his quick feet and creativity caused Young Boys a number of problems.
Jacob Ramsey (8/10):
Looked a threat down the left and linked up well with Villa's strikeforce. Showed composure to score his team's second and proved to be a nuisance all night.
Ollie Watkins (7/10):
Seemed completely out of form early doors but grew into the game and was unlucky not score his first Champions League goal. Looked disappointed to have been taken off on the hour mark.
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Diego Carlos (6/10):
Initially added a bit more solidity when he was introduced for the second half, but then nearly made a costly mistake from a loose pass at the back.
Jhon Duran (7/10):
The in-form striker beautifully curled in a first-time effort in the final quarter of the game, but it was ruled out for handball in the build-up.
Emi Buendia (7/10):
Was lively during his short cameo.
Ian Maatsen (N/A):
Barely touch the ball when introduced late on.
Ross Barkley (N/A):
Didn't get enough time to make an impact.
Unai Emery (8/10):
His team selection proved to be the correct one as the Spaniard masterminded yet another Champions League victory. Villa managed the game well and his substitutes helped see the game out.
