Cameron Archer was once again the man of the moment for Aston Villa as they narrowly saw out Brisbane Roar 1-0 in their penultimate game down under.
The young forward showed exactly why he needs to be in and around the first-team fray in 22/23, scoring the only goal of the game on a day others were left frustrated.
He converted a lovely cross in the 77th minute from another stand-out player, Kaine Kesler-Hayden to ensure Villa made it three wins in a row in pre-season and two out of two in the Queensland Champions Cup.
Here’s our player ratings from the Queensland Country Bank Stadium as Villa’s youngsters steal the show.
First-half. Aston Villa (4-2-3-1): Martinez; Cash, Chambers, Carlos, Digne; McGinn, Kamara; Coutinho, Bailey, Traore; Ings
Second-half. Aston Villa (4-1-2-1-2): Martinez [62’ Olsen]; Kesler, Konsa, Mings, Augustinsson [80’ Chrisene]; Luiz; Iroegbunam, Ramsey; Buendia; Archer, Watkins
1. Emiliano Martinez - 6
Had little to nothing to do. Roar had their fair share of chances but none that tested Martinez.
2. Matty Cash - 7
Lively throughout the first-half and looked more likely to produce than Digne on the opposite flank.
3. Diego Carlos - 7
Solid as a rock. Wasn’t tested hugely by Brisbane but you can tell he’s going to make a difference to this Villa back line. Photo: Malcolm Couzens
4. Calum Chambers - 6.5
Like Carlos, solid throughout though probably should have scored.