Aston Villa will take a slender advantage to France next week for their Europa Conference League second leg against Lille after beating the Ligue 1 side 2-1 at Villa Park.
After a confident first 10 minutes from the away side, Ollie Watkins opened the scoring in the 13th minute by heading past Lucas Chevalier from John McGinn’s cross. But Watkins’ 25th strike of the season didn’t unnerve the visitors, who played some excellent football throughout.
Villa had Emi Martinez to thank for going into the break with the lead as he made three crucial saves to deny Lille’s Edon Zhegrova, Bafodé Diakité and Jonathan David in the first half.
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Lille are currently fourth in Ligue 1 and came into the first leg unbeaten in their last seven games in all competitions, winning their last two against Lens and Marseille. Despite their impressive performance, they struggled to handle Villa’s firepower.
Villa had a big penalty shout early in the second half when Benjamin Andre collided with Watkins in the box, but VAR backed up referee Espen Eskas’ on-field decision - no penalty.
John McGinn ensured Villa were taking a lead to the Stade Pierre-Mauroy by doubling their advantage in front of the Holte End. He stroked the ball past Chevalier from the edge of the box after Leon Bailey picked him out from a corner routine.
Lille thought they had reduced their deficit when Gabriel Gudmundsson tucked the ball past Martinez at the back post, but after a long VAR review, the goal was ruled out for offside. However, Villa failed to keep a clean sheet as Bafode Diakite headed in Remy Cabella's corner in the 84th minute.
Emi Martinez
Made three top saves in the first half. He denied Zhegrova in the 23rd minute as Lille were presented with a great chance to level the game up. Less than 10 minutes later, Martinez was on hand to deny Diakite inside the box and then David before the break. 9*
Ezri Konsa
Calm and composed in possession as per usual. Villa are struggling to defend crosses at the moment and without much help from Bailey, Konsa is often caught between defending two players inside the box. It's a big weakness for Villa at present. 6
Diego Carlos
Made an early error which gave Lille possession in Villa's box and didn't look comfortable in periods of the game. He won the majority of his aerial duels, but was beaten by Diakite for Lille's goal. 5
Pau Torres
Glided through challenges and orchestrated Villa's build-up. Lille's talisman David was kept quiet by Torres. 6
Lucas Digne
Started his third game in succession and impressed against his former club. Defended well against Tiago Santos when the right-back broke forward to support attacks. 7
Douglas Luiz
Made a strong recovery to deny Lille the chance to score after Carlos gave up possession inside the box. He played a few excellent passes around the corner to Digne on several occasions, seeing pictures before they have developed. A top midfielder who'll be missed by Villa in their next two league games. 7
Youri Tielemans
Excellent in both sides of the game tonight. He broke up play and also used the ball well in the middle of the park. He was cautioned for a foul in the 76th minute, which was one of a few strange calls from the referee on the night. 7
Leon Bailey
Constantly a threat when he received the ball on the right wing. Rolled the ball across for McGinn to score Villa's second. 7
Morgan Rogers
Rogers continues to impress for Villa and is showing more maturity in possession. He posed a big problem for the Lille defenders when he turned and drove towards the penalty box. 6
John McGinn
'We've got McGinn'! A captain's performance from McGinn, who bagged Villa's second of the night. Worked himself into the ground. 8
Ollie Watkins
After making a chance for himself by chasing down Yoro, Watkins should've squared to McGinn for a tap-in. But that didn't matter as moments later he headed home the opening goal of the game from the Scot's corner. 8
SUBS
Nicolo Zaniolo (for Rogers, 64), Alex Moreno (for Digne, 74'), Moussa Diaby (for Bailey, 74'), Jhon Duran (for Watkins, 82'), Tim Iroegbunam (for Tielemans, 82').
Subs not used: Olsen, Gauci, Kelser-Hayden, Kellyman.
GOALS
Aston Villa: Watkins (13'), McGinn (56')
Lille: Diakite (84')
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