Aston Villa have won their first pre-season game against Crewe Alexandra, Westwood’s former team. Lambert allowed Westwood to lead the team out against his former team, which was a nice touch. Aston Villa won 5-1, Benteke scored a hat-trick, Weimann 1 and Bacuna scored 1 as well.
Weimann scored his first after 2 minutes, after El Ahmadi’s original shot was blocked and it landed to the young Austrian, who blasted a shot into the net. Benteke and Weimann teamed up again, and after some good work by Weimann on the right, he picked out the Belgian who easily scored. Benteke’s second came after El Ahmadi’s through ball set him up on goal and he also easily converted that one. Benteke’s third goal, saw the player cut in from the left and drilled a shot past keeper Philips. However, Aston Villa failed to keep another clean sheet with Alex scoring following Harry Davis crossing in from a tight angle. In the second half Bacuna added another goal, he was moved from midfield to right-back but that didn’t stop the Dutchman from scoring. Bacuna scored a left-foot screamer that landed into the top corner.
Weimann returned from injury, earlier then expected and Agbonlahor and Helenius also played a part after returning from injury. Tonev, Albrighton and Okore remain out.
It’s a sign of relief that Aston Villa have won their first game, fans got a closer look at the potential first team for the new season and this game shows how important Benteke is for Aston Villa. Weimann and Benteke were the main attacking threat, El Ahmadi played well, Luna impressed (again) and Bacuna also played a great game. Next up Aston Villa play against Walsall, before a trip to Shamrock Rovers and the week before the Arsenal game, Malaga goes to Villa Park.
Villa first hour (4-2-3-1): Guzan, Lowton, Vlaar, Clark, Luna; El Ahmadi, Westwood; Bacuna, Weimann, Agbonlahor; Benteke.
Villa final half hour (4-2-3-1) Steer, Bacuna, Herd. Donacien, Baker; Delph, Sylla; Gardner, Carruthers, Robinson; Helenius
*Highlights aren’t of best quality, but you can still watch it
That’s very harsh, Little8.
Not one of today’s players had played in a Prem game, I believe.
It wasn’t the first team, you know; it was a bunch of kids.
I do however have a big issue with people who went having to pay £15-17 to see that game though (if indeed that’s correct).
Disgraceful that, regardless of who messed up.
Not our problem anon, Newport set the prices and we had it down as a development fixture.
From experience I can say that Newport is a horrible place and a horrible little club…….so fuck ’em!!
players in the under21’s are in that squad cos of the age and deemed not ready 4 first team yet. losing 2 a newport team thats filled with players hungry 2 prove they are can make it as a footballers, match sharp and ready 4 their season 2 start nxt weekend so good luck 2 them in their return 2 football league
shame on u ppl why should our under21 hammer teams like newport ~ we should applaud the management 4 arranging good fixtures 2 help the under21 improve and this was also a weakened under21 team at that ~ i think its a good run out and those that played, they will av learned much more than playing another youth team
An under 21 side minus 3 or 4 key players that have been involved in 1st team friendlies.
Carruthers, Donacien, Robinson and Burke not there. No Siegrist or Jordan Graham either. Are those two injured btw?
Good point about the missing players.
Good to see Grealish get one in, I have a feeling he’s going to develop into a great player for us.