Unai hopes fans will soon be back in full swing!

MANAGER Unai Emery admitted he was surprised that Villa Park was not full for the Europa League opener against Bologna on Thursday.

- By JOHN TOWNLEY

The attendance was 35,578 as Villa claimed their first win of the season, with John McGinn scoring the only goal of the game in the 13th minute.

Winning was all that mattered after going six games without a victory at the start of the campaign.

Villa's disappointing performances so far this season, coupled with ticket prices, were two key factors behind the empty seats inside the stadium.

Adult tickets cost between £55 and £67 for non-season-ticket holders, while season-ticket holders were charged £10 less in specific zones of the ground.

Earlier this month, Villa announced that season-ticket holders could secure a four-match bundle giving access to all home group-stage games at a 20% discounted rate.

Asked about the atmosphere, Emery said: “Grateful always with the supporters when we are playing at home, of course, in Villa Park or away. But really, I was a little bit surprised when the stadium was not full.