Superlatives are often over-used, but there are occasions like Villa’s spectacular Champions League victory over Bayern Munich where they are justified. This was a superb team performance, against exceptional opposition, masterminded by the outstanding Unai Emery. The win will likely go down as one of the finest and most impressive to ever have occurred at Villa Park.

Report: Aston Villa 1-0 Bayern Munich

Emery first turned heads with his team selection, standing by Diego Carlos despite shaky displays against Wolves and Ipswich, and the surprise inclusion of youngster Jaden Philogene. Over 90 minutes they proved to be inspired choices by the manager. The focus in the early phases of the game, however, was most certainly upon the visitor’s dominance of the ball. We were treated to a world-class display in ball retention that served to remind us that the Champions League is not all going to be like our experience against Young Boys.
Bayern’s control didn’t amount to huge numbers of chances, but it created an unnerving sense that they could turn the screw at any time. The four-time European champions would be left rueing their control of the possession amounting to only a handful of clear-cut moments across the 90 minutes. This was to Villa’s credit though. We were solid and organised defensively, especially in these dangerous early minutes. Gnabry went closest after pacing into the penalty area. The former West Brom player should have ...