Jadon Sancho scored the only goal as Aston Villa won 1-0 away at Fenerbahce in the Europa League.placeholder image
Jadon Sancho scored the only goal as Aston Villa won 1-0 away at Fenerbahce in the Europa League. | AFP via Getty Images
Europa League result, player ratings and report after Fenerbahce 0-1 Aston Villa.
Jadon Sancho’s first Aston Villa goal earned Unai Emery’s side a narrow 1-0 win away at Fenerbahce, mathematically confirming a spot in the top eight of the UEFA Europa League league phase.
Marco Asensio and Jhon Duran’s Fenerbahce gave it a good go - and thought they had a dramatic equaliser through Kerem Akturkoglu 77 minutes in - but Villa survived the cauldron of noise at the Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium to claim all three points in Emery’s 100th Europa League game.
Sancho’s goal, his first in the competition for three and a half years, summed up Villa’s night. The visitors didn’t have much of the ball but were dangerous when they did, counter-attacking with purpose. In that vein, Sancho made a terrific run to head home past Ederson, converting from a Matty Cash cross that had been glanced on by Milan Skriniar.
It could have been two for Villa had Sancho not missed a golden opportunity before the break. Morgan Rogers unselfishly squared it to Sancho on the right side of the box but the winger took too long to pull the trigger.
Villa had further chances to double their lead but couldn’t, keeping Fenerbahce’s hopes allive. Cash went close as he struck the post on the hour mark, while Rogers was denied a goal by the linesman’s flag as he tapped home from a low Sancho cross.
Fenerbahce piled on the pressure in the second half, calling Marco Bizot into action on several occasions. In for the absent Emiliano Martinez, Bizot made a host of brilliant saves to help retain his side’s lead.
The home crowd went ballistic when they thought Fenerbahce had levelled up the scoring, but Duran was found offside in the build-up to Akturkoglu’s finish. Villa, with a little luck on their side, pushed on to hold on for a professional victory.
Goalkeeper and defence ratings
Marco Bizot: What a performance. Bizot made huge diving saves to deny Talisca and Ismail in the second half. Bizot also saved shots from Fred, Akturkoglu and Asensio, as well as a header from Duran, to preserve the clean sheet. 9*
Matty Cash (off 75’): Proved to be a threat as he assisted Sancho’s goal and struck the base of the post with a long-distance strike. Cash was 8
Victor Lindelof: Came back into the XI and put in a terrific shift, making so many crucial clearances. Fenerbahce were peppering Villa’s box and Lindelof was so often there to avert the danger. 8
Tyrone Mings: Went man-to-man with Duran and did an excellent job, frustrating the former Villa striker with his physicality. Marshalled an effective offside trap throughout. Had a decent chance in the first few minutes but headed over the bar. Mings also flashed wide with a volley just after half time. 8*
Lucas Digne: Struggled to deal with Asensio in the first half and was booked for a foul on Muldur. Digne did make a couple of important interceptions, though. 7
Midfield and attack ratings
Lamare Bogarde: Lacked accuracy with his passing and struggled to dictate the tempo, but worked hard to break up the play. Made one brilliant dribble forward in the first half. Received a tactical booking in stoppage time. 7
Youri Tielemans (off 90+2’): Showed off a superb passing range, often feeding passes forward to threaten on the counter. Booked for a cynical challenge. Felt the wrath of Emery as he came off, seemingly for a mistake just before his substitution. 7
Jadon Sancho (off 75’): Netted the opener, his first goal for Villa and his first in the Europa League in more than three years. Missed a great chance to make it 2-0. Played a great through ball to Buendia just after half time. 8
Emiliano Buendia (off 75’): Displayed plenty of flair but sometimes tried to be too cute, giving away the ball unnecessarily. Gave away several cheap fouls. 6
Morgan Rogers (off 75’): Caused Fenerbahce problems on the transition and saw a decent effort saved by Ederson 65 minutes in. Played an exquisite backheeled pass to create a first-half chance for Watkins**.** Did let a few mistakes creep in, however, allowing Fenerbahce to counter. 7
Ollie Watkins: Didn’t have too much to go at but had one decent header cleared off the line by Muldur. Held up the ball well on a few occasions at the end when Villa were trying to tick down the clock. 7
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