Aston Villa have won their first pre-season game against Crewe Alexandra, Westwood’s former team. Lambert allowed Westwood to lead the team out against his former team, which was a nice touch. Aston Villa won 5-1, Benteke scored a hat-trick, Weimann 1 and Bacuna scored 1 as well.
Weimann scored his first after 2 minutes, after El Ahmadi’s original shot was blocked and it landed to the young Austrian, who blasted a shot into the net. Benteke and Weimann teamed up again, and after some good work by Weimann on the right, he picked out the Belgian who easily scored. Benteke’s second came after El Ahmadi’s through ball set him up on goal and he also easily converted that one. Benteke’s third goal, saw the player cut in from the left and drilled a shot past keeper Philips. However, Aston Villa failed to keep another clean sheet with Alex scoring following Harry Davis crossing in from a tight angle. In the second half Bacuna added another goal, he was moved from midfield to right-back but that didn’t stop the Dutchman from scoring. Bacuna scored a left-foot screamer that landed into the top corner.
Weimann returned from injury, earlier then expected and Agbonlahor and Helenius also played a part after returning from injury. Tonev, Albrighton and Okore remain out.
It’s a sign of relief that Aston Villa have won their first game, fans got a closer look at the potential first team for the new season and this game shows how important Benteke is for Aston Villa. Weimann and Benteke were the main attacking threat, El Ahmadi played well, Luna impressed (again) and Bacuna also played a great game. Next up Aston Villa play against Walsall, before a trip to Shamrock Rovers and the week before the Arsenal game, Malaga goes to Villa Park.
Villa first hour (4-2-3-1): Guzan, Lowton, Vlaar, Clark, Luna; El Ahmadi, Westwood; Bacuna, Weimann, Agbonlahor; Benteke.
Villa final half hour (4-2-3-1) Steer, Bacuna, Herd. Donacien, Baker; Delph, Sylla; Gardner, Carruthers, Robinson; Helenius
*Highlights aren’t of best quality, but you can still watch it