Super-sub Youri Tielemans proved to be the difference maker as his goal eight minutes after coming on handed Aston Villa an important Europa League win over Basel.

Unai Emery’s side’s fifth win of the competition helps strengthen their chances of a top eight finish that will give them an automatic place in the round of 16 of the tournament – they now sit third in the table.

The Spanish coach made eight changes to the side that had beaten Premier League leaders Arsenal last time out, but that seemed to have had little affect on those out there as they made their early possession count.

Some poor defending from former Liverpool man Xherdan Shaqiri allowed Evann Guessand to turn and find the bottom corner despite being on the deck as he swung his leg at the ball.

That appeared to awaken the hosts though, and moments after Leo Leroy thought he had levelled only for VAR to rule his goal out for an offside earlier in the move, Basel did find an equaliser as Flavius Daniliuc beat Marco Bizot to a free-kick to flick home a leveller.

Emery resorted to bringing on the cavalry to strengthen Villa’s grip on the game, and it had an immediate impact as half-time substitute Tielemans restored the lead with a classy finish from the edge of the box.

Much like the first half, Basel grew into the second period and applied sustained pressure right until the very end. Ibrahim Salah thought he had salvaged a point in stoppage time, but his goal-bound header cannoned off an unsuspecting Morgan Rogers and deflected just off target.

Villa were able to hold on for a win that saw them consolidate third in standings, meaning they are potentially just one win away from guaranteeing their spot in the last 16 of the competition. Basel meanwhile stay outside of a play-off spot in 26th.

What’s coming up for Aston Villa?