John Townley's Aston Villa player ratings after the win over AS Roma in pre-season
Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins (centre) celebrates scoring
Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins (centre) celebrates scoring
Aston Villa stepped up their preparations for the new campaign with a 4-0 win over AS Roma at the Bescot Stadium.
Emi Buendía opened the scoring in the 15th minute, beating Milan Svilar with a free-kick from just outside the box.
Jacob Ramsey doubled the lead moments later after being picked out by Youri Tielemans, calmly slotting the ball under Svilar.
Ollie Watkins added a third before the break, heading Buendía’s cross into the corner with a little help from the post.
Unai Emery made eight changes at half-time as only Ramsey, Boubacar Kamara and Ezri Konsa stayed on the pitch.
Morgan Rogers was one of the players introduced for the start of the second half, but his night only lasted a few minutes as he came off injured with what looked like an ankle issue.
Donyell Malen added a fourth for Villa in the 85th minute as he slammed the ball past Svilar.
Player ratings
Emi Martínez Martínez wasn't tested in the first half. He used the ball well and wasn't afraid to go long to beat Roma's press. 7
Lamare Bogarde Bogarde stepped in to win possession several times and read the game well. 7
Ezri Konsa Konsa surged forward in the 33rd minute and won a corner - if it wasn’t for a key block, it would’ve fallen to Watkins at the back post. Moments later, he made a crucial interception to prevent a cross into the box. 8
Tyrone Mings Played alongside Konsa, and together they kept a lid on Roma’s big number nine, Artem Dovbyk. Dominated in the air at both ends. 7
Ian Maatsen Maatsen pushed forward on several occasions, causing problems for Roma. He also did the defensive work well, blocking Wesley França’s progress down the wing a few times. 7
Boubacar Kamara As ever, Kamara was competitive in his duels and covered ground effectively. He won several free-kicks as a result of driving forward with the ball. 7
Youri Tielemans of Aston Villa and Neil El Aynaoui of Roma
Youri Tielemans of Aston Villa and Neil El Aynaoui of Roma
Youri Tielemans Produced an exquisite pass to release Ramsey in the box for Villa’s second goal. He held off pressure from Manu Koné - a physically imposing midfielder - and was exceptional in tight spaces. 8
Leon Bailey Started brightly and tested Švilar in the first minute after taking down a pass with his first touch, cutting inside, and firing a shot toward the far corner. Well-saved. One of his best performances in some time. 8
Emiliano Buendia of Aston Villa scores the opening goal
Emiliano Buendia of Aston Villa scores the opening goal
Emi Buendía Buendía used his body well to escape pressure and combined smartly with teammates in the final third. Scored a stunning free-kick to open the scoring, then assisted Watkins for Villa’s third. A top-class display from the Argentine. 9
Jacob Ramsey Finished off a lovely move by tucking the ball under Švilar just moments after Buendía’s goal. Great to see him on the scoresheet again this summer, having also netted against Hansa Rostock last month. 8
Ollie Watkins Watkins was sharp leading the line and grabbed his fourth goal of pre-season. He’s now scored in every friendly he’s featured in so far this summer. 8
Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins (centre) celebrates scoring
Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins (centre) celebrates scoring
Second half player ratings
Marco Bizot Bizot did enough to push a Roma forward wide of the area in the 63rd minute after Villa's defensive line was breached. 6
Matty Cash Little came down Cash's flank. Provided good energy and combined well in the final third. 6
Ezri Konsa One of three players to stay on for the second half. A composed presence at the back. 6
Pau Torres A steady showing from Torres. Used the ball effectively when playing out from the back. 6
Lucas Digne Solid down the left and always quick to race forward and support the attack. 6
Boubacar Kamara Replaced by George Hemmings just after the hour mark. Kept things tidy before coming off. 6
Amadou Onana Added extra security in midfield alongside Kamara. By the time the Frenchman was substituted, the game had lost its rhythm. 7
John McGinn Powered up the pitch on occasion and tracked back well to help Cash on the right. 7
Morgan Rogers Only lasted a few minutes before coming off with what looked like an ankle issue. Replaced by Jimoh-Aloba. N/A
Jacob Ramsey A strong 60-minute outing from Ramsey, showing sharpness and energy. 6
Donyell Malen of Aston Villa and Gianluca Mancini of Roma
Donyell Malen of Aston Villa and Gianluca Mancini of Roma
Donyell Malen Led the line after Watkins was subbed off at half-time. Villa lacked rhythm after the break, which limited Malen’s opportunities, but that didn't stop him getting on the scoresheet. Some pre-season he is having... 8
SUBS
Jamal Jimoh-Aloba (for Rogers, 53'): The youngster impressed off the bench, taking the game the opposition when he had the chance to get on the ball. 7
George Hemmings (for Kamara, 64'): Another good experience for the youngster, who impressed against Walsall and Hans Rostock earlier this summer. 6
Samuel Iling Junior (for Ramsey, 64'): Iling-Junior played off the left to start with, but then moved to the opposite wing. 6
Subs not used: Gauci, Rowe, Patterson, Burrowes.
GOALS
Aston Villa: Buendia (15'), Ramsey (17'), Watkins (40'), Malen (85')
AS Roma: N/A