A professional performance saw Aston Villa seal a 2-0 victory over a supporter-less Maccabi Tel Aviv in Thursday night's Europa League clash.
An empty away end on an evening slightly marred by protests outside Villa Park, which saw six arrests, resulted in a subdued start to the fixture as Villa found themselves unable to break down the tight-knit Israeli outfit, who threatened to cause problems on the break.
But the deadlock was finally broken just before half-time when Ian Maatsen underlapped Jadon Sancho on the left-wing and was threaded an exquisite deft pass by Morgan Rogers. The Dutchman was left with plenty to do but fired home a sublime finish from an acute angle.
The goal came at the perfect time for Villa, who piled on the pressure and looked like doubling the lead before half-time, although Maccabi Tel Aviv should have scored after a sweeping counter saw Emi Martinez produce an invaluable save at point-blank range.
Eventually Villa went into the interval 1-0 up and maintained their control going into the second-half. While Maccabi Tel Aviv remained resolute and made chances of their own, Villa used the ball well and captain Ezri Konsa won a penalty after skipping past a defender and being brought down.
Donyell Malen converted from the spot and after that Villa were in almost full control. Some sloppy play out of the back threatened to gift the visitors a goal, but Unai Emery's string of substitutions took the rhythm out of the game and helped the home side get over the line.
Match Highlights
Will be added shortly.
Aston Villa Player Ratings
Emi Martinez - 8
Surprisingly busy as Maccabi Tel Aviv presented a bigger goal threat than many expected. Produced a handful of important saves amid quiet periods to ensure the match never truly threatened to become an upset. Insistence on playing out of the back still created some tense moments.
Victor Lindelof - 7
The visitors got some joy down the defender's right-hand side in the early stages as he lacked the pace to keep up with his winger. But remained tidy in possession and looked more comfortable after moving into centre-half, linking play around the back and playing long balls forward.
Ezri Konsa - 8
His first game wearing the armband - winning the penalty was a moment that highlighted his overall contribution. Villa left space in behind at times, but Konsa remained ever-composed and didn't put a foot wrong.
Pau Torres - 6.5
No complaints but struggled to have his usual impact in possession due to how compact Maccabi Tel Aviv made the midfield. Subbed after 64 minutes with Lindelof coming into central defence.
Ian Maatsen - 8
Pushed up high when Villa were in possession and scored an excellent goal on a positive night for the Dutchman.
Lamare Bogarde - 7.5
Got through plenty of work both in midfield and after moving to right-back. A few clumsy moments early in the game but didn't put a foot wrong after the first twenty minutes and showed moments of class.
Amadou Onana - 7
Controlled midfield well but no standout moments besides a well-executed slide-tackle in the first half. Came off with 75 minutes on the clock.
Morgan Rogers - 8.5
Aston Villa's Man of the Match. Everything positive went through him and he took responsibility on the ball by driving at a stubborn Maccabi Tel Aviv defence. Villa's most creative player with three key passes, including the assist for Maatsen's opener.
Evann Guessand - 5
An underwhelming night for the summer signing who struggled to provide any moments of significant quality. Developed an unfortunate knack of failing to play crosses to the far-post back across goal, as wild efforts went out for goal kicks. Couldn't imprint himself on the game, leaving Villa to predominantly attack down the left. Was subbed off without registering a shot, a key pass or a dribble, while being dispossessed three times.
Jadon Sancho - 7
Did his job on the right-hand side, linked up well with Rogers and played an important role in the first goal. But never produced real cutting edge in the final third and was subbed off after 74 minutes. No qualms with his performance but lacked a big moment.
Donyel Malen - 7.5
Scored the penalty and was always eager to test the goalkeeper. But struggled to convince as an out-and-out centre-forward and had limited contributions to all-round play.
Substitutes
Boubacar Kamara - 6 - Solid but no significant impact
Ollie Watkins - 6 - Almost scored but saw the offside flag raised
Emi Buendia - 6 - An important runout after his injury but no significant impact
Youri Tielemans - 6.5 - Almost provided an assist immediately after coming on and whipped in a dangerous corner, reminding everybody of his creative qualities
John McGinn - 6 - Solid but no significant impact