Aston Villa returned to De Kuip – the site of their 1982 European Cup triumph against Bayern Munich – with the chance to further shake off their early-season troubles.

Their flat, lethargic performances before last week’s victory over Bologna – their first win of the season – had started to become a cause for concern.

An intriguing first half could have seen either side on top at the break with an energetic Feyenoord registering 13 shots with five on target.

But Emi Buendia’s second-half goal sapped some of the energy from the Dutch league leaders and Villa remained patient to find a second and see out a mature win.

There were plenty of indicators that Villa could be returning to the kind of form they have enjoyed under Emery in recent seasons.

Midfielder Buendia had not scored for the club for a year before Sunday’s win over Fulham – having spent the previous season recovering from a serious knee injury – but now has two goals in as many matches.

John McGinn has now scored three goals in three consecutive games for the first time in his career.

And Emiliano Martinez’s late withdrawal because of a calf injury sustained in the warm-up could have spelled trouble for Villa with Marcos Bizot drafted in just minutes before kick-off.

But the Dutch goalkeeper was brilliant, tipping over the bar from Luciano Valente and keeping a second consecutive clean sheet having made 15 saves so far this Europa League campaign, the most of any player.

While there remains work for Villa to do, an away win in Europe is another positive step which will further boost their confidence.