Aston Villa began their Premier League Summer Series action with a thrilling 3-3 draw against Newcastle United at the Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday. Bringing to a close the squad’s trip to Philadelphia before onward travel to Florida and Washington, Unai Emery’s side impressed with a quick start before being the subject of a hard-fought Toon comeback.
Villa came out of the blocks far better than the Magpies with some early directness shown by the likes of surprise starter Jaden Philogene and attacking midfielder Emi Buendia. The latter displayed some wonderful work on the ball to beat Newcastle’s marquee signing, Sandro Tonali, before playing in Ollie Watkins for the opening goal of the clash. The striker, who was last season’s top scorer, took the ball into his stride and finished cooly to give Villa a fifth-minute lead.
It didn’t take long for the men in claret and blue to make it two as Buendia went from creator to finisher as the clock struck 11 minutes. Douglas Luiz’s pinpoint through ball found Buendia on the left and he performed a stepover to beat Kieran Trippier with ease. Onto his left foot, the Argentinian struck with power to beat a helpless Martin Dubravka at his near post.
A first-half water break allowed Newcastle to regroup and they soon made their own impression on the game as Elliot Anderson reduced the deficit in the 28th minute. The 20-year-old midfielder found space in between Ezri Konsa and Matty Cash to collect a Jacob Murphy through ball, before chopping in and slotting it past Emi Martinez. Alexander Isak then pounced to equalise just before half time, capitalising on a failed Lucas Digne clearance. Anderson dispossessed Boubacar Kamara and then his shot, which was saved by Martinez, ricocheted to the back post. Digne slipped as he went to clear, enabling Isak to poke the ball home for 2-2.
As is typical for a pre-season friendly, Emery made a whole host of substitutions at the break and then again around the hour mark. Only Philogene, Luiz and Cash made it beyond the 63rd minute, with the latter the only player to feature for the entire fixture. Pau Torres was the highlight switch as he made his way onto the field for his debut. The changes didn’t seem to halt Villa, though, as the momentum definitely went back in their favour immediately after half time.
Buendia netted his second goal of the encounter after some scintillating football, starting with Kamara in midfield. Villa’s number 10 played past Dan Burn and through to Philogene on the right before the young Villa winger cut it back for Watkins, who struck the post via Dubravka’s glove. The ball rebounded off the woodwork and Buendia was the first to react, placing it into the back of the net to regain Villa’s advantage.
The newly-found lead didn’t last long, though, as Newcastle responded well with a series of dangerous deliveries into the penalty area. Substitute Anthony Gordon, who was recently crowned an Under-21 European champion with England, made a rapid impact by forcing Robin Olsen into an unconvincing save, leaving it for Callum Wilson to finish on the rebound. Diego Carlos failed to track Gordon as a Jamal Lascelles long ball made its way into the channel, and then Torres couldn’t react quick enough to stop Wilson from equalising.
The Villans had a couple of opportunities to get back in front, including a chance for Buendia to complete his hat-trick. The 26-year-old ran onto a chipped through ball from Kamara and rounded Dubravka but couldn’t adjust well enough to finish. Teenage attacking midfielder Omari Kellyman then worked his magic, impressing in front of the Lincoln Financial Field crowd. The 17-year-old wasn’t afraid to take on defenders and had a shot saved.
Emery’s side were dominant in the closing stages and created the odd half-chance but failed to find another breakthrough. Regardless, there were plenty of promising signs – particularly from the youngsters in the second period. Flick through the pages for our player ratings.
1. Emiliano Martinez - 6 (off 45’)
Conceded two of the three shots on target he faced. The Argentine will be disappointed with that but neither were particularly easy to save and credit has to go to the scorers.
2. Matty Cash - 7
The only Villan to play the full 90, which is impressive in itself considering the 30-degree heat. Looked energetic and keen to get forward down the right. Drawn in to break the offside trap, however, allowing Anderson behind for 2-1.
3. Ezri Konsa - 5 (off 45’)
Too easily beaten for 2-1 as Anderson chopped in and left him sliding helplessly. Some good aerial duel wins from set pieces to make up for it somewhat. Replaced at half time by Diego Carlos.
4. Tyrone Mings - 7 (off 45’)
Terrific block to stop Isak from scoring early on and didn’t do a great deal wrong after that, before being taken off at half time for Pau Torres’ debut.