John McGinn dug Unai Emery out of a hole with a header deep into stoppage time as Aston Villa finally kickstarted their European campaign with a dramatic win over Zrinjski Mostar.
Emery arrived at Villa a year ago as a four-time Europa League winner and his side were installed as favourites for the Europa Conference League this season.
Yet until McGinn’s late intervention they were heading for an uninspired home draw and one point from their opening two group games.
Thanks to McGinn’s goal, Emery will feel his decision to make six changes, not using his best players until after the break, was justified.