Nicolo Zaniolo’s first goal for Aston Villa sent them on their way to a 1-1 draw over Zrinjski Mostar that secured a Europa Conference League last-16 spot for Unai Emery’s side.
Villa needed just a point to secure top spot in Group E and subsequently avoid a play-off round in February – but the Premier League side were frustrated for an hour in Bosnia.
Eventually, the introduction of captain John McGinn off the bench proved pivotal as the midfielder crossed for Zaniolo to steer home with ease for the opener.
Zrinjski then produced one of the misses of the season as substitute Aldin Hrvanovic somehow fired over in front of an empty goal after a mix-up between Villa debut goalkeeper Filip Marschall and Callum Chambers.
Despite Matija Malekinusic firing in an 87th-minute equaliser for the Bosnian side, Villa – who were afforded the chance to leave top scorer Ollie Watkins on the bench – held on for a point as they ensured two fewer games in the New Year and safe passage into the latter stages of Europe.
How Villa got the job done
A forgettable first half was summed up by Villa having their best chance of the opening period inside the first two minutes. Alex Moreno crossed for Zaniolo in the penalty area but the Italian could only put his effort over the bar.
Matty Cash and Jon Duran fired deflected strikes straight at Marko Maric, while Zaniolo put another two efforts in comfortable areas for the Zrinjski goalkeeper in a first half that saw Emery cut a frustrated figure.
Villa were denied a clear penalty straight after half-time when Moreno was tugged in the box as he tried to head home Douglas Luiz’s corner – but nothing was given by either the on-field officials or VAR.
Eventually, the double substitution of McGinn and Lucas Digne became crucial as the Villa pair combined down the left, leaving the Scot to scoop a cross over for Zaniolo, who trapped down the ball and steered past Maric.
Zrinjski could have levelled when Josip Corluka was found unmarked at a corner but fired wide while off balance. Digne then fed Duran down the left of the area but his fierce shot was well saved by Maric.
Then came a bit of Zrinjski pressure as Villa goalkeeper Marschall punted a kick straight into substitute Chambers and the ball fell for Hrvanovic with the goal gaping.
The backspin made it awkward for the Zrinjski forward and the ball eventually came off him then over the bar.
Zaniolo celebrates his first goal for the club
There was nothing Marschall could do about Malekinusic’s stunning effort as he drove forward on the left and curled home from the edge of the box to bring Zrinjski level.
But barring a few minutes where, had Villa conceded again, they would have ended up second in the group, it was an easy evening’s work for Emery in Europe again.
Emery: A perfect night
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery:
“We are happy because our objective was to be first in the group, and with this draw we are.
“We tried to play with some players who are not playing regularly in the season because of injuries like Jacob Ramsey and Alex Moreno, and with Leander Dendoncker, Filip Marschall and Tommi O’Reilly as well.
“It’s important for them to get confidence and minutes. Tonight was perfect with the draw and result and perfect to give some of the players chances. We wanted to win but our first objective is completely done: to be first in the group.
“We want to enjoy the way in this competition because for us to be in Europe it’s important to remember how we achieved it last year and how we are now trying to win a trophy.
“We want to enjoy it with our supporters and some supporters were here with us today. It’s important for them to be together and enjoy this way in Europe.”
Analysis: Everything good about Villa is through McGinn
Much-changed, yes, but in their 1-1 draw at Zrinjski Mostar on Thursday night, Aston Villa looked the polar opposite from the side who beat Manchester City and Arsenal last week.
Unai Emery’s forward-thinking, fast-paced team looked anything but in their final Europa Conference League game. Instead, it was slow and predictable – which is why their Bosnian opponents were relatively comfortable after an hour.
Enter John McGinn, who took no later than three minutes to come off the bench then put in a delightful cross for Nicolo Zaniolo’s opener.
Last season, McGinn was far from a goal threat with just one goal and three assists in 36 matches in all competitions. Now, Emery has turned the Scot into the heartbeat of this Villa team in every department.
It’s not just this outing. McGinn scored the winner against Arsenal at the weekend, after setting the tone for the team performance of the season against Man City.
First name on the teamsheet, last player Villa want to be without.
What’s next?
Aston Villa return to Premier League action on Sunday at Brentford; kick-off 2pm. Unai Emery’s side then host Sheffield United on Friday Night Football on December 22, live on Sky Sports; kick-off 8pm.
Friday 22nd December 7:00pm
Kick off 8:00pm
Zrinjski’s next game is at home to Sarajevo in the Premier League of Bosnia and Herzegovina on Monday; kick-off 5pm.