Orjan Nyland drops a second high ball - this time it's Erhun Oztumer's floated free kick into the area which is nowhere near any attacker.

But the Norwegian drops it over the byline for a corner - he's had a shaky first half.

Fair play to Bolton. They had such a poor start, but they have grown into this game and could easily be level.

They're pressing the Villa centre-backs whenever they are in possession and have grown into the game defensively.

That said, Villa have enough players with a creative x-factor to take advantage of any slip-up.

Postpublished at 34 mins

34 mins

Aston Villa 1-0 Bolton Wanderers

John McGinn is left in a heap after a very heavy tackle by Joe Williams.

Replays show Williams slips as he stretches for the ball after a poor touch before crashing into his opponent.

No free kick was given, but McGinn is still limping.

Bolton go close. Alan Hutton gives away a silly free-kick deep in his own half on the Bolton left.

Erhun Oztumer plays the ball in and Villa fail to deal with it - Bolton almost put it in at the far post before Villa clear for a corner.

James Chester heads Conor Hourihane's free kick into the net, but he strayed half a yard offside. A great spot by the assistant referee.

Image source, Rex Features

Should be 2-0. Jonathan Kodjia slices a close-range volley from the far post high over the Bolton bar after a lovely ball in from the right by Alan Hutton.

The Villa full-back has been great down this right flank so far.

Image source, PA

Jack Grealish comes close to a second - he twists and turns on the edge of the box before firing in low.

Ben Alnwick did well to palm away the shot as it bounced just as it got to him.

Ged Scott
BBC Sport at Villa Park

Image source, PA

A dream start for Jack Grealish, Dean Smith and Aston Villa.

Apart from his moans about his prize asset getting targeted for fouls by the opposition, Villa boss Smith’s main pre-match mantra was the advice he had given to Grealish about getting in the box more often where he can be a greater threat.

And it took less than four minutes for JG to act on those instructions with his first goal of the season.

His first in 24 matches in fact, since beating Cardiff City 1-0 here on 10 April.

Off the line! James Chester protects the Villa goal with an acrobatic clearance as Jack Hobbs' goalbound header for Bolton looks to be going in.

A great period of pressure from Bolton - how did he keep it out?

The resulting corner sees Villa keeper Orjan Nyland drop the ball before recovering quickly - hearts in mouths time for Villa fans.

Image source, Rex Features

Great chance for Bolton - Will Buckley's ball in is brought down well by Clayton Donaldson six yards out.

The Villa defence get to the ball, but it falls to Erhun Oztumer - however his weak effort is easily gatehred by the Villa keeper.

First chance for Bolton.

Image source, PA

'Ole ole ole' is the ironic shout from the Bolton fans as they cheer every pass their side completes.

It was a good move until they lost the ball on the edge of the Villa area.

Neil Taylor breaks down the left for Villa, but his pass forward goes out for a throw in.

Image source, Rex Features

A penny for Phil Parkinson's thoughts right now.

His side have had just 24% possession and lining up in a 4-5-1 they don't seem to have many outlets when they do get the ball.

Stick or twist tactically? Let's see what he decides......

Craig Noone gets in down the left for Bolton, but his cross is easily gathered by Orjan Nyland in the Villa goal.

Still, it's a glimmer of hope for Bolton in a one-sided opening to this game.

Albert Adomah blazes one wide of the far post after more possession from Villa.

Ged Scott
BBC Sport at Villa Park

Image source, BBC Sport

"Super Jack Grealish" is the chant around the ground.

What a start to the night for the hosts....

Bolton had a free-kick 15 yards inside the Villa half, but played it short rather than send it into the box.

Villa's midfield immediately gobbled the ball up and moved forward, winning a free-kick of their own in the Wanderers half.

But having found Albert Adomah on the right his ball into the box is gathered by Bolton's keeper.

This could be a long night for Bolton - they had scored just twice in their previous eight games.

They have offered very little so far - Clayton Donaldson had one run down the right shortly before the goal, but he's ploughing a very lonely furrow on his own.

Meanwhile Alan Hutton wastes a good cross from the right - Villa looking dangerous.

John McGinn shanks one away for a throw-in after a decent build up by Villa. Conor Hourihane might have a big role tonight, he's started well.

So after a tribute in memory of Remembrance Sunday and the victims of the helicopter crash at Leicester City last week we are under way.

Villa kick off defending the Holte End in this first half.

Image source, PA