Aston Villa concluded our pre-season schedule with a 2-1 win over Valencia at the Mestalla on Saturday, with the focus now on our Premier League opener.
Goals from Ollie Watkins and Emiliano Buendia sealed the victory as we signed off in positive fashion in Spain, and it’s hoped that it’s proven to be the ideal preparation for the year ahead.
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From our initial outing against Walsall to the USA trip and important tests against Lazio and Valencia this week, Unai Emery will hope we’ve struck the perfect balance in terms of opposition and building our fitness as we gear up for a trip to St James’ Park to face Newcastle Utd next Saturday.
Another good test against European opposition
Similarly to our encounter with Lazio on Thursday night, this was another important experience for the players to adapt and get used to playing against solid European opposition.
While we still have to navigate our way safely past a playoff round at the end of the month, we’ll face some tricky challenges in the Europa Conference League if we advance, and so it’s vital we grow accustomed to the tempo and nuances of facing European sides.
Things became heated at times with the Valencia players as the game was played at a good intensity, and so Emery will no doubt be emphasising the importance of learning from this experience.
Emery shares minutes out in final pre-season outing
The Villa boss also ticked another key box and that was to continue to share minutes out across his squad to ensure everyone is fit and sharp if they are called upon next weekend.
There is a question mark over Diego Carlos as he wasn’t included in the squad to face Valencia, and so it remains to be seen if that was simply a precaution or if he’ll join the likes of Alex Moreno and Jacob Ramsey in recovering from a setback.
However, Emery will have had a good look at various options and solutions by rotating his side again in this outing, and it’s fundamental every player in the squad is ready if they’re called upon.
Watkins continues impressive form
It was a fourth goal in six pre-season games for the 27-year-old, who will play a pivotal role for us again this season in leading the line and being a consistent source of goals.
Watkins has looked sharp in the final third, not only with his finishing but with his composure in dangerous areas in general, while his link up play looks to be improving further.
While we’ll need some good luck along the way in terms of him avoiding any injuries this season, it was a real boost to see him continue to impress after his excellent season last year following Emery’s arrival.
Coutinho impact off the bench
Speculation emerged during Saturday night’s game to perhaps raise question marks over Philippe Coutinho’s future again as we enter the final stretch of the transfer window with interest touted from Qatar and Saudi Arabia, as per Fabrizio Romano.
Time will tell if the Brazilian playmaker does ultimately move on this summer, but as he’s built up his fitness and form over pre-season, he made a decisive impact against Valencia with his assist for Buendia’s goal.
If he does stay, he’ll have a key role to play for Emery with his ability to create in the final third and offer competition and depth, and so this was a timely reminder of that, subject to whether or not we opt to approve of an exit.
Torres to start at left-back vs Newcastle?
There will be some intrigue around Emery’s decisions next weekend with regards to his preferred starting XI, with Pau Torres again starting at left-back in this encounter.
While the Spaniard offers composure and technical ability in possession and is generally sound defensively, there were occasions again in this one where he was troubled by the opponent’s right-sided attacking player cutting inside, with Tyrone Mings having to step across.
If the pair can get their understanding spot on, then we should be able to nullify any threat from Newcastle in a joint effort. However, Lucas Digne may well be the ‘safer’ option at left-back for our first game of the season against a tough side on the road, with Ezri Konsa perhaps moved over to right-back.