Lille 0-1 Aston Villa ratings: Giroud struggles as Özer error gifts Watkins winner | OneFootball

Aston Villa won 1-0 in the Europa League last 16 first leg. Olivier Giroud struggled and Berke Özer's error settled it.

According to L'Équipe, Ezri Konsa bossed the aerial duels against Giroud and exuded authority throughout. Giroud rarely found his positions, with few clean layoffs and one headed chance squandered.

At the other end, Aïssa Mandi anticipated superbly with key tackles on Ollie Watkins on 22, 28 and 30 minutes. He cleared a dangerous Bogarde cross on 38 after Perraud lost his man, then repeatedly shut the angle to Rogers on 45+3, 48 and 82.

On 61 minutes, Konsa's long pass, glanced on by Buendia, ran for Watkins, whose deft looping header beat the advanced Özer. The forward then squandered a one-on-one on 68 minutes by over-running the ball. It was Villa's only effort on target and it proved enough.

Nabil Bentaleb was Lille's most consistent performer, mixing bite with composure under pressure. Hakon Haraldsson failed to impose himself and slowed moves with extra touches. Ngal'ayel Mukau worked diligently on the right to restrict Lucas Digne, though he lacked speed in his passing.

Lille now trail in the tie ahead of the return match.

Source: L'Équipe