Credit: Imago

Max Wilkins

Fri 10 April 2026 10:10, UK Updated Fri 10 April 2026 11:33, UK

Aston Villa were left stunned by Jonathan Rowe despite securing a 3-1 win over Bologna on Thursday.

It was a difficult night for the Villans in the Europa League, but they battled through a storm to seal a massive first-leg win.

Unai Emery‘s side will now take a two-goal advantage back to Villa Park with a place in a European semi-final on the line.

Things could have been different on the night as Vincenzo Italiano’s side had the better of the ball and chances at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara.

Rowe was Bologna’s true star against Villa as supporters were totally blown away by his performance down the left-hand side.

How good was Jonathan Rowe vs Aston Villa?

The 22-year-old has already had a very interesting career, having played across three different leagues in three different countries.

A failed spell in France with Marseille hasn’t had a negative impact on his career, and he finally looks to be finding his feet in Italy.

The Norwich City academy product has already contributed to 10 goals across all competitions with Bologna and could have added even more to that tally against Villa.

The England Under-21 international was arguably the best player on the pitch on Thursday, and he was unfortunate to only score one on the night.

He took six shots, and despite just two of those being on target, he left Emi Martinez concerned with almost every effort.

Rowe also created two chances, maintained an 83 per cent pass accuracy while completing a stellar four dribbles up against Matty Cash.

That is all made better by his seven duel wins and two fouls won as he caused problems for the Villans throughout the first leg.

Rowe was once linked to Villa from Norwich City, and they may feel they missed their chance to sign a potential star.

Has Rowe been a consistent performer for Bologna?

As good as the Englishman was against the claret and blue outfit, it only matters if he is consistently good throughout the campaign.

Considering he only has three Serie A goals to this point, it is doesn’t appear that his form has been maintained in a domestic setting.

Italiano has utilised him as a substitute seven times this season, but if Rowe was as good as he was against Villa every week, he would never be on the bench.

Across his 21 appearances, he has created just 16 chances, but has taken 37 shots, which may point towards a selfishness that isn’t necessarily effective.

His 33 dribbles and 97 duels won will certainly catch the eye, but he may have turned up against Villa to try and prove himself on the big stage.

Emery may have questions over that, as many supporters in B6 clamour for him to be signed this summer.