Aston Villa suffered a disappointing defeat against Monaco in their Champions League group stage match. Wilfried Singo's early goal proved enough for the home side, leaving Villa needing a win against Celtic and potential help from other results to secure a direct path to the knockout stage.
But this defeat in Monaco means Unai Emery’s men will have to beat Celtic next week and may need help from elsewhere if they are to secure a passage straight through to the last-16, avoiding next month’s play-off round.
This was their third away match in the space of six days and there was a sense, particularly in the second half, of efforts at Everton and Arsenal catching up with them. The latter should have been tested within the opening five minutes by Leon Bailey but the Jamaica international winger, back in the starting XI, failed to make clean contact with a header.
Monaco might not be France but Martinez was getting booed at every touch by the home supporters, who then saw him pull off a flying save to deny Akliouche and ensure reeling Villa did not quickly fall further behind. With the game opening up, there was still time left for Akliouche to miss a great chance to double the home side’s lead when he fired over through on goal.
Emery introduced Duran 10 minutes after the restart but the next big chance went to the hosts, Takumi Minamino opting to check inside rather than shoot when through on goal.
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE ASTON VILLA MONACO WILFRIED SINGO UNAI EMERY
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