Villa beat Viking 3-1 to keep perfect Champions League record

Aston Villa made it three wins from three in the Champions League with a 3-1 victory over the Norwegian side Viking at Villa Park on Wednesday night.

Unai Emery was without a fit recognised full-back in his starting line-up, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Matteo Ruggeri injured and Matty Cash and Ian Maatsen only on the bench. It made little difference. Goals from Ross Barkley and Emi Buendia, and a second-half own goal forced by the outstanding Alysson, put Villa in control.

It was Villa's 12th straight home win in European competition. A late consolation from Peter Christiansen meant they finished the night level on points with Paris Saint-Germain at the top of the table, rather than outright leaders. The two-time defending champions visit Villa Park in December.

Gomes the makeshift full-back

Joao Gomes started at right-back but moved into midfield whenever Villa had the ball, in a fluid system that worked well. Nicolas Jackson sent two early headers straight at the Viking goalkeeper, Arild Ostbo, and Gomes then saw a cross deflected onto the bar.

The opener soon followed. From an Ibrahim Mbaye corner, Barkley's run went untracked and he flicked a header past Ostbo.

Villa should have been well clear by the half-hour mark, but Buendia headed wide from six yards after Ostbo parried an Alysson shot into his path. He made amends from the penalty spot eight minutes before the break, after Alysson burst between two defenders and was brought down by Zlatko Tripic. The referee, Sebastian Gishamer, initially waved play on but changed his mind after checking the pitchside monitor at the request of the video assistant, and Buendia sent Ostbo the wrong way.

Alysson runs the show

Viking showed more adventure after the break, with Tobias Moi forcing Zion Suzuki into a routine save, but Villa remained the more dangerous side. Ostbo got down well to keep out a Buendia flick, and Alysson raced on to a lofted pass from John McGinn but placed his shot wide.

Viking could not cope with the winger. When he broke again and tried to find Jackson with a cross, the ball cannoned off the defender Henrik Heggheim and into the net. Alysson then set up Jackson with another fine run, but the striker blazed over.

The substitute Alejandro Garnacho almost scored a spectacular first goal for the club before Christiansen struck late for the visitors.

Barcelona next

Villa, who returned to Europe's top competition only recently, have now become the second fastest side to reach 20 wins across the European Cup and the Champions League. Their next game in the competition is away at Barcelona, and three wins from three give them a strong platform in their push for a top-eight finish and a place in the last 16 without a play-off.

Villa: Suzuki, Gomes (Cash 70), Lindelof, Torres, Mings, McGinn, Barkley (Goretzka 70), Alysson (Hemmings 75), Buendia, Mbaye (Garnacho 72), Jackson (Abraham 70).