Aston Villa were made heavy favourites to win the UEFA Europa Conference League very early in the competition but I am sure most people would agree, if they are going to win it, they will have to earn it.
Although Emery’s side has had a pretty comfortable competition so far, French side Lille were always likely to be a difficult opponent.
Similar to Villa, Les Dogues are enjoying a good season and have a good chance of qualifying for the Champions League next season. They currently sit 4th in Ligue 1, just 3 points behind Monaco. The French authorities also like to give their sides every opportunity to progress in European competitions so Lille will now have a full week before they play again in the return leg while Villa have a difficult trip to North London on Sunday. Report: Aston Villa 2-1 LOSC Lille
The one frustration I have with European football is the amount of diving that takes place, none more so than French sides. The irony is, Villa took the lead when Lille defender Ismaily decided to take a dive leaving Ollie Watkins to head home from a Douglas Luiz corner.
You would hope that the goal would settle the nerves but arguably the best side we have faced in the competition so far had different ideas.
Three times they broke the Villa backline before the break and if it wasn’t for the world number 1, Emiliano Martínez, it may have been a different scoreline at the half-time whistle.
The away side would have regretted not taking their chances when Villa c...