Villa Cruises Past Bologna in Pre-Season Friendly
Aston Villa kicked off their pre-season tour of the United States with a solid 2-0 win over Bologna at the Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego. The match was a good test for Unai Emery's side as they prepare for the upcoming Premier League season.
Early Dominance and Clinical Finishing
The Villans were the better side throughout the match and deservedly took the lead in the 17th minute. Leon Bailey, who looked lively throughout, found the back of the net with a well-taken strike after a clever pass from John McGinn. The Jamaican winger's pace and trickery caused Bologna problems all night, and he almost added a second just before the break.
Villa doubled their lead in the 68th minute through a cool finish from Ollie Watkins. The English striker, who was in a battle with the Bologna defense all night, finished off a well-worked move to seal the victory. Morgan Sanson, who impressed with his quick passing and clever movement, played a key role in setting up Watkins' goal.
Plenty of Positives to Take Away
The game was a good workout for Villa and a chance for Emery to see his squad in action. New signing Pau Torres played well in the center of defense, showcasing his calmness and composure on the ball. The team's overall performance was impressive, with good movement, sharp passing, and a clear attacking intent.
Next Stop: Philadelphia
The win over Bologna will give Villa a boost of confidence as they prepare for their next pre-season friendly against Philadelphia Union later this week. The team will continue to work hard to improve their fitness and tactical understanding in preparation for the Premier League season.
Overall, it was a great start to the pre-season tour for Aston Villa. The team looked sharp and organized, and the fans were treated to a good performance. This win is a good sign of things to come, and the team will be looking to build on this momentum as they prepare for the new season.