Aston Villa lost 4-1 in their opening game of the pre-season tour of the United States, here are three things spotted during the defeat to Columbus Crew.
It was an opening to the US pre-season tour to forget for Aston Villa, as MLS side Columbus Crew blew Unai Emery’s side away.
Cucho Hernandez netted a first half hattrick before Dylan Chambost added a fourth, with Cameron Archer scoring the only goal for the Villans in the contest.
The defeat highlighted the amount of travelling the Premier League side had done over the past week, with mistakes coming all over the park to assist Columbus’ win.
From players returning to those missing from the squad, here are three things we noticed during Villa’s defeat in the United States.
- READ MORE: Unai Emery told one player made Aston Villa ‘better’ in 4-1 pre-season defeat to Columbus Crew
Three things spotted as Aston Villa lost 4-1 v Columbus Crew to open US pre-season tour
Lucas Digne handed a surprise role
After the interval, Emery introduced Lucas Digne to the defence, where the Frenchman played a different position to his usual place in the manager’s squad.
Digne replaced Pau Torres at centre-back, seeing Alex Moreno and then Ian Maatsen preferred at left-back against Columbus.
The 31-year-old added experience to the defence made up of youngsters and debutants however, looked to be lacking the skill set required to play centre-back.
That being said, it was an equally tough time for Torres prior to Digne’s arrival, as the Spaniard was caught out to hand the MLS side a goal.
Villa missed first team regulars Emi Martinez and Ollie Watkins
Though Archer’s finish for Villa’s only goal was exemplary, Emery desperately missed the assured presence of Ollie Watkins.
The Englishman contributed to 40 goals over the 2023/24 campaign for the Villans, with his knowhow in the final third missed as Villa wasted chances against Columbus.
Similar can be said about the absence of Emi Martinez between the sticks, as Joe Gauci struggled, failing to make saves that the World Cup winner would pull off routinely.
Still, it’s difficult to judge a player during pre-season when the breaks are off although, Emery will have been made even more aware of how important the likes of Martinez and Watkins are to the squad.
Emi Buendia made his return
One of the main positives from the game was the return of Emi Buendia, who returned to the pitch after almost a year out of action.
Following an encouraging pre-season in 2023, there was great hope that the Argentine would kick on at Villa, plans that were demolished by an ACL injury.
The 27-year-old came on just after the hour mark to replace Morgan Rogers and looked bright despite being away from the squad for so long.
Fans will be desperate to see the former Norwich City star finally get his chance to shine under Emery, with pre-season giving the attacker the opportunity to prove his worth.
