UEFA Europa League
Aston Villa 2 – 0 Maccabi Tel Aviv FT
Ian Maatsen’s last goal for Aston Villa had come against Newcastle in April [Getty Images]
Stuttering Aston Villa edged past Maccabi Tel Aviv on a challenging evening to strengthen their position in the Europa League.
Ian Maatsen’s opener and Donyell Malen’s penalty gave Unai Emery’s side victory in a game that followed pre-match protests at Villa Park, with no visiting fans of the Israeli team allowed in the ground.
Advertisement
Villa are sixth in the league phase table after four games, having secured the victory Emery wanted after he spoke of the need to react to last month’s defeat at Go Ahead Eagles.
Yet the hosts often struggled in a largely tepid display as Maccabi did more than just frustrate, Osher Davida’s effort deflected inches wide while Dor Peretz shot straight at Emi Martinez from a golden chance.
Villa, who lost at Liverpool on Saturday, flattered to deceive even after Maatsen squeezed in the opening goal from a tight angle in first-half stoppage time.
Advertisement
It did not completely settle the hosts and Martinez needed to save from Peretz again after the break.
Malen then sealed victory from the spot after Villa were awarded a penalty, despite Ezri Konsa falling over his own feet.
The game was played in circumstances that were bound to be distracting for both sets of players.
Before the game, local police had prepared for several groups to protest, including pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli campaigners.
Six arrests were made, it was announced, with more than 700 police officers deployed.
Advertisement
Maccabi manager Zarko Lazetic explained afterwards that his squad arrived five hours before kick-off on police advice.
Lazetic’s side were not helped during the game by the penalty award, and the Maccabi boss said of that incident: “It’s not my job but it looked like nothing.
“There was a small margin and it went on their side. We showed who we are.”
Villa analysis: Old guard deliver as Emery celebrates anniversary
This game came three years to the day since Emery’s first Aston Villa match, which launched his era in style.
Advertisement
A 3-1 victory against Manchester United on that occasion marked Villa’s first home win over the Red Devils since 1995.
Comparing the team from that day to the line-up on Thursday, only Emi Martinez and Ezri Konsa started both games.
Emi Buendia, Ollie Watkins and John McGinn also started against United and came off the bench in the Europa League, while fellow November 2022 starters Lucas Digne and Matty Cash were unused substitutes against Maccabi.
Advertisement
So with the changes it may be surprising to say there is a reliance on the old guard.
But while Emery’s group have certainly evolved in the past three years, they are, in the main, still dependent on the same stars Emery inherited. Morgan Rogers is the obvious exception.
Martinez made big saves against the visitors from Israel, and Konsa won what appeared a dubious penalty.
Those signed more recently – including goalscorers Malen and Maatsen – often struggled against a spirited Maccabi side.
Advertisement
Watkins, McGinn and a resurgent Buendia remain key to Villa this season, along with full-backs Cash and Digne.
Despite their recent string of five straight wins, and beating Manchester City, there remains the nagging feeling Emery’s men remain fragile this season.
What’s next for these teams?
Aston Villa: Villa host Bournemouth in the Premier League on Saturday before going to Elland Road to face Leeds on 23 November after the international break.
Advertisement
Maccabi Tel Aviv: They welcome Beitar Jerusalem in the Israeli Premier League on Sunday and then face Lyon in the Europa League on 27 November.