John Townley's Aston Villa player ratings after Unai Emery's side beat Viking FK in the Champions League

Aston Villa earned a third successive Champions League victory by beating Viking FK 3-1, securing the club’s 12th consecutive home win in European competition.

Ross Barkley’s header and Emi Buendia’s penalty gave Villa a commanding half-time lead before Henrik Heggheim turned the ball into his own net on the hour mark. Peter Christensen scored a consolation goal late on for the Norwegian visitors.

Villa have now scored in 23 of their last 24 European matches and have hit three or more goals in seven of their last nine.

Villa started on the front foot against Viking, who held Bayern Munich to a 3-3 draw last week. Nicolas Jackson passed up two chances to head past goalkeeper Arild Ostbo, although he was flagged offside for his first opportunity.

Unai Emery opted to deploy a back three in possession, with Ian Maatsen - the only available left-back in the squad - having just returned from a six-week injury lay-off. Joao Gomes then tucked into the right-back role, with Tyrone Mings taking up the corresponding position on the opposite side when Villa were out of possession.

Brazilian Gomes played his part in Villa’s opener, with his deflected cross leading to a spell of pressure. A second corner, delivered by Ibrahim Mbaye, was met by Barkley at the front post to give the hosts the lead in the 23rd minute.

Shortly afterwards, Buendia missed a sitter, inexplicably heading the ball wide from just yards out, before seeing another header saved by Ostbo after being picked out by John McGinn’s corner.

However, the Argentine made amends after referee Sebastien Gishamer awarded Villa a penalty following a VAR check, with Alysson having been clipped by Zlatko Tripic inside the box. Buendia coolly rolled the ball past Ostbo.

Alysson, who was excellent on the night, played a key role in Villa’s third goal as he raced down the right and sent in a cross that was deflected into the net by Heggheim.

Christensen scored late on for Viking, turning in a cross from the right, which was something for the visiting fans to cheer.

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Player ratings

Zion Suzuki

Suzuki faced his first shot of the game in the second half and had little to deal with until Viking scored, but still caught crosses well and distributed the ball effectively. Beaten late on by Christiensen. 7

Victor Lindelof

Lindelof was cool and composed on the right side of defence. Used the ball well. 7

Pau Torres

Torres kept Viking pinned back in the first half, with Villa dominating their opponents for large spells. 7

Tyrone Mings

Mings was asked to play at left-back when Villa were defending and in a back three when in possession. He stepped up to play a Viking attacker offside in the 54th minute as the away side looked to make inroads. 7

Joao Gomes

Gomes played a different role tonight, covering at right-back when Villa were defending and forming part of the double pivot in possession. Made an excellent tackle in the ninth minute, winning a goal kick. His deflected cross hit the bar just before Barkley's opener. Doesn't stop running and loves a duel. 7

Ross Barkley

It's now three goals in two Champions League matches for Barkley, who headed Villa into the lead in the first half. A carbon copy of his goal at Coventry, assisted by Mbaye. 8

John McGinn

McGinn created a few chances for his teammates tonight, including one for Buendia from a corner and a lovely scooped ball over the top for Alysson to race in on goal. 7

Alysson

Impressive stuff again from Alysson. He put in a dangerous cross in the 16th minute before his shot was palmed away by Ostbo, presenting Buendia with a golden opportunity that he missed from a few yards out. Alysson then won a penalty and nearly scored in the second half, with his shot narrowly missing the far post. After rolling the ball back for Buendia to flick towards goal, he played a key role in Villa's third as his cross was turned in by Heggheim. 9

Emi Buendia

Buendia missed two headed chances in the first half but got his goal from the spot. It was a lovely penalty, too. His clever flick at the near post from Alysson's cross was saved by Ostbo. 7

Ibrahim Mbaye

Mbaye played high and wide on the left wing, taking on his marker and looking to make things happen. Rapid, with close control. 7

Nicolas Jackson

Jackson was a little quiet tonight but still impressed with his movement and link-up play. Saw a couple of headers saved in the first half. Subbed off with 20 minutes to play, so he should feel fresh for Saturday. 7

SUBS

Matty Cash (for Gomes, 75'): N/A

Tammy Abraham (for Jackson, 75'): N/A

Leon Goretzka (for Barkley, 75'): N/A

Alejandro Garnacho (for Mbaye, 76'): N/A

George Hemmings (for Alysson, 76'): N/A

Subs not used: Bizot, Wright, Harwood-Bellis, Kamara, Maatsen, Bogarde.

GOALS

Aston Villa: Barkley (23'), Buendia (37' PEN), Heggheim OG (62')

Viking FK: Christiansen (84')