Credit: Imago and BBC Sport

Max Wilkins

Thu 19 March 2026 20:51, UK

Dion Dublin has been left frustrated by what he’s seen from Aston Villa in the first half against Lille.

The Villans go in at the break level with the French outfit after a largely dull 45 minutes at Villa Park.

A place in the Europa League quarter final is at stake, but you wouldn’t know that after a quiet first half in the Midlands.

Amadou Onana had the best chance with a header that was well saved by Berke Ozer, but that is as much as there is to say.

Villa will hope for better in the second half against Lille, as will Dublin after being left frustrated by what he’s seen from Morgan Rogers and Co.

Dion Dublin slams first half showing vs Lille

There is a strange mood in B6 going in at half time as the claret and blue outfit hold an aggregate lead after last Thursday’s win.

That hasn’t impacted how Lille have played, with the travelling side setting up in a 5-4-1 out of possession to frustrate the hosts.

That has certainly worked for the most part, although Emery’s men have certainly had the better of the ball on the night.

Villa just haven’t been able to turn their possession into end product as multiple lapses in concentration have cost them.

That was certainly the case when Rogers rushed down the right and swung a poor cross straight into the hands of Ozer.

Former Villa star Dublin was left frustrated by the Englishman’s effort, live on BBC Radio Five Live, as it summed up the Villans in the first half.

He said: “The final third passes from Aston Villa are either overhit or a little bit lazy. The concentration level in the final third has to be higher. End product is everything tonight.”

After Villa beat Lille 1-0 last time around, they can afford to be more patient but may live to regret not taking their chances.

Morgan Rogers must step up for Aston Villa

The England international has certainly cut a talismanic figure in claret and blue this season, but needs to do more right now.

He picked up plenty of space against Lille, but completing just 17 passes with a 77 per cent accuracy isn’t truly good enough for a side with a lion’s share of possession.

Rogers has still managed to create one chance, but hasn’t taken a shot, so he needs to do more and showcase his talents in the second half.

If he can do that, there’s no doubt that Villa Park will be behind the team, and a place in the quarter finals can be secured.