Aston Villa beat Walsall 5-0 yesterday and most impressively kept a clean sheet, a first since the game against Stoke in 2012. Fabian Delph, Agbonlahor, Benteke, Grealish and Gary Gardner were all on target to secure Aston Villa’s second pre-season win. Delph opened the scoring early on, with a long range strike. Then Agbonlahor burst through the Walsall defence and slipped a shot past O’Donnell. Later, Helenius sent Weimann through on the wing he managed to pick out Benteke. Helenius again involved in the set up, found Grealish open and slotted one through the keepers legs. Lastly, Gary Gardner scored with a dipping free-kick and put the cherry on top, on a very good Aston Villa performance.
Aston Villa could’ve scored more, with Weimann and Benteke also going close. It appears as though Baker and Vlaar will be starting together for the start of the Premier League season. The defence wasn’t threatened much, but when it was, there was better communication between Vlaar and Baker. Herd limped off, after coming on in the second half and joins Okore, Tonev, Albrighton and Bennett on the injury list.
Steer played better today so that’s a positive sign, especially since I haven’t been convinced by him. Bacuna has shown that he can also slot in as right-back, making him a very good versatile player. Luna played all 90 minutes and again impressed, he’ll definitely be Aston Villa’s starting left-back. Helenius showed that he has good skill on the ball and can pick out players and lastly, Grealish impressed again with another good performance. Things are looking better now, but there’s still a bit to go before the game against Arsenal. Hopefully Villa can continue this pre-season form.
Villa (4-2-3-1): Steer (Guzan 46), Bacuna (Lowton 46), Vlaar (Herd 46, Donacien 61), Baker (Clark 46), Luna; El Ahmadi (Sylla 46), Delph (Westwood 46); Burke (Helenius 46), Weimann (Grealish 61), Agbonlahor (Gardner 61); Benteke (Carruthers 61).
