Aston Villa secured their first win of the season with a 1-0 victory over Bologna in their Europa League opener at Villa Park.
### John McGinn Earns Aston Villa’s First Win
John McGinn’s early strike earned Aston Villa a much-needed victory in a hard-fought contest. Under Unai Emery, who is aiming to win the Europa League for a fifth time, Villa finally found the net at home after scoring only twice in their first six games of the season—both goals coming away from Villa Park.
Ollie Watkins came off the bench and had a penalty saved in the second half, prolonging his goal drought for the campaign. Meanwhile, Bologna goalkeeper Marco Bizot made several important saves but couldn’t prevent Villa from claiming the win.
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### Oh Hyeon-gyu Turns Up the Heat at Ibrox
Genk defeated 10-man Rangers 1-0 at Ibrox, with former Celtic striker Oh Hyeon-gyu scoring the decisive goal after missing an earlier penalty. The Belgian visitors hit the woodwork in the first half, and Rangers midfielder Mohamed Diomande was shown a straight red card in the 41st minute.
In added time, Rangers keeper Jack Butland saved a penalty from Oh, but the striker eventually broke the deadlock in the 55th minute with a close-range finish.
Rangers manager Russell Martin, who recently received some relief following a 2-0 win over Hibernian, remains under pressure as disgruntled fans voiced their frustrations at the final whistle.
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### William Saliba Agrees New Arsenal Contract
Arsenal defender William Saliba has agreed to a contract extension, according to the PA news agency. Reports indicate the France international has signed a five-year deal, keeping him at the club until 2030.
Saliba’s previous contract was set to expire in 2027. His impressive performances for the Gunners have reportedly attracted interest from Real Madrid.
The 24-year-old joined Arsenal from St Etienne in July 2019 but spent the following season on loan in France, with additional loan spells at Nice and Marseille. Since establishing himself at Emirates Stadium, Saliba has earned 28 caps for France and scored seven goals in 139 appearances across all competitions.
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### Rio Ngumoha Signs First Professional Contract with Liverpool
Liverpool teenager Rio Ngumoha has signed his first professional contract, just a month after turning 17. The winger, who arrived from Chelsea a year ago, has quickly risen through the ranks and earned a three-year deal with the Reds.
Ngumoha became Liverpool’s youngest goal-scorer at 16 years and 361 days after netting the match-winner against Newcastle in August. He has made five senior appearances, including his debut in the FA Cup third-round tie against Accrington last January.
After impressing in pre-season, Ngumoha was promoted to head coach Arne Slot’s first-team squad. His Premier League debut was highlighted by a last-minute winner against Newcastle at St James’ Park. Additionally, his recent substitute appearance in Liverpool’s Champions League win over Atletico Madrid marked him as the club’s youngest player in European competition history.
Off the pitch, Liverpool announced a record 1,114 lifetime bans have been issued for ticket touting, with nearly half imposed following the discovery of mass manipulation of software last season.
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### What’s On Today?
Friday night’s live Sky Bet Championship action features promotion hopefuls Leicester City visiting West Bromwich Albion.
In Scotland, Ayrshire rivals Auchinleck Talbot and Cumnock Juniors meet in the first round of the Scottish Cup at Beechwood Park.
Ahead of this weekend’s Premier League fixtures, several clubs including Liverpool, Newcastle, Manchester United, Manchester City, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Tottenham will hold press conferences.
https://www.breakingnews.ie/sport/fridays-briefing-john-mcginn-gives-villa-victory-and-more-woe-for-rangers-1811284.html