Arsenal’s Declan Rice hails Aston Villa star after Champions League win over Young Boys

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Aston Villa got their Champions League return off to a perfect start on Tuesday night, which prompted praise from many of their players’ fellow peers including Arsenal star Declan Rice.

The Villans were one of the first teams to play in the revamped Champions League, courtesy of their early kick-off against Swiss side Young Boys.

Villa ran riot against their opponents, who were guilty of schoolboy defending on far too many occasions.

The Villans’ opener came on 27 minutes as Lucas Digne played a corner short to John McGinn, who in turn looped the ball deep for Youri Tielemans to fire in at the far post.

Unai Emery’s charges then added a second through Jacob Ramsey, who applied the finishing touch in the 38th minute after a goalmouth scramble.

Villa could have been three up by the break, but Ollie Watkins’ effort was ruled out due to a controversial handball decision.

Jhon Duran then had the ball in the back of the net on 78 minutes, but this was also ruled out because of a handball, this time from Amadou Onana.

However, Onana made amends by firing Villa’s third just three minutes from time, a long-range effort into the bottom corner of the hosts’ net.

Arsenal star Declan Rice shows love to Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa

Many of Villa’s players took to Instagram after the game to celebrate their maiden Champions League victory on their long-awaited return to Europe’s top club competition.

Ezri Konsa was one of those players, and many peers, including Arsenal star and England teammate Declan Rice, praised the Villans defender.

Rice posted a heart emoji in the comment section of Konsa’s post.

What did media outlets say about Konsa?

The Birmingham Mail gave Konsa an 8 out of 10 rating for his efforts on the night.

“Following Carlos’ introduction, Konsa moved to right-back after a strong first half at centre-back alongside Pau Torres,” they wrote.

“Nothing went past Konsa in the second half – he shut the wing down.”

Meanwhile, BirminghamWorld went with a 7, writing: “Displayed great versatility by stepping across to right-back for the second half.

“Looked solid all game, even when tested in the opening exchanges.”

READ MORE: Lee Hendrie’s emphatic verdict on Aston Villa’s Champions League win at Young Boys

What next for Aston Villa?

Villa are next in action on Saturday 21 September, and it’ll be another big game for the Villans – a West Midlands derby.

Emery’s charges host Wolverhampton Wanderers in a 3pm Premier League kick-off at Villa Park.