Unai Emery’s side made it three wins out of three in the Champions League this season thanks to two second-half strikes.
Aston Villa continue to enjoy life in Europe and coasted to a deserved win over Bologna thanks to goals from captain McGinn and striker Duran to maintain their 100% record in the competition.
Bologna made a bright start but the hosts quickly grew into the match and began to dominate. Ian Maatsen’s pace down the left was causing problems, while the impressive Morgan Rogers twice went close to breaking the deadlock before half-time.
The opening goal came 10 minutes into the second half when McGinn delivered a fine free-kick into the penalty area that missed everyone but ended up in the back of the net to give the hosts a lead they deserved.
Villa didn’t have to wait long to double their lead. Less than 10 minutes later, Diego Carlos picked out Rogers with a fine ball. The youngster then dinked a cross into Duran who got across his marker and flicked the ball home to secure a comfortable victory.
GOAL rates Aston Villa’s players from Villa Park…
Goalkeeper & Defence
Emi Martinez (6/10):
Made some decent saves in the first half and had very little to do after the break.
Ezri Konsa (6/10):
Struggled initially as Bologna got in behind down Villa’s right but grew into the game.
Pau Torres (7/10):
Looked calm and composed all night long. Solid showing at the back.
Diego Carlos (7/10):
Strong at the back and played a great ball up to Rogers to create the second goal.
Ian Maatsen (8/10):
Handed a start by Emery and his pace and desire to make runs down the left caused problems for Bologna.
Midfield
Youri Tielemans (7/10):
His passing was a cut above as always and also offered his usual threat at set-pieces.
Amadou Onana (5/10):
Looked to be struggling physically in the first half and was hooked at half-time.
Attack
John McGinn (7/10):
His tenacity was vital and he got the opener with a free-kick delivered into the box that ended up going all the way into the far corner. Received a huge reception when he was replaced.
Morgan Rogers (8/10):
Another impressive showing from the youngster. Looked so dangerous running with the ball, went close on several occasions and simply looks at home in the Champions League.
Leon Bailey (4/10):
A weak link for Aston Villa. Offered very little and a poor pass handed Bologna a shot on goal. Scuffed one wide at start of second half.
Jhon Duran (7/10):
Handed the start and looked a threat throughout. Got his goal in the second half with a poacher’s finish.
Subs & Manager
Ross Barkley (6/10):
Replaced Onana at the break and helped Villa dominate the second half.
Jacob Ramsey (6/10):
Neat and tidy. Should have made it 3-0 late on but put it straight at the goalkeeper.
Ollie Watkins (5/10):
Took over from Duran after he made it 2-0 but didn’t really get a sight on goal.
Jaden Philogene (6/10):
Fired one over the bar after coming on.
Unai Emery (9/10):
Is loving life in the Champions League after making it three wins from three. His decision to start Maatsen was key to the win, while Duran was also on target after taking over from Watkins. The goals also allowed Emery to rest his key stars at a busy time in the season.