Aston Villa made it two wins in four days with a 3-0 win in Slovakia following Wednesday's 3-0 victory over Walsall.
Leon Bailey, Morgan Rogers and Cameron Archer grabbed the goals that gave Villa a convincing victory which saw the visitors again play two different XI's in each half. Lewis Dobbin was given his first minutes in a Villa shirt whilst Joe Gauci was awarded his first start in goal.
The first half was very typical of an early summer pre-season friendly. There was very little in terms of tempo or quality but as the half was heading towards a close there was one moment of quality that gave Villa the lead. Captain for the afternoon, Leon Bailey, picked the ball up on the right hand side and cut in to bend his left-footed shot into the far corner. A trademark Leon Bailey finish.
Neither side made a meaningful opportunity before Bailey's opener, but Spartak's forward Philip Azango was causing a few issues for the Villa defence. Diego Carlos was booked after pulling the forward back as he looked to turn away on goal and was this a competitive match the Brazilian would have likely seen red for the professional foul.
Half time brought eleven changes by Unai Emery and one of those men introduced to the game, Morgan Rogers, made it 2-0 after the break. Rogers picked the ball up down the left hand side and drove into the box before tucking a pass under his body to Kaden Young who was making the supporting run. His shot was saved but fell back into the path of Rogers who tapped home from close range. Rogers has now scored 3 goals already this pre-season as fans continue to call for him to be the man to replace Moussa Diaby in the number 10/support striker role.
Twice in preseason Morgan Rogers has played as a free roaming second striker. Think that's where he might end up this season now Diaby's going. (Maybe even Watkins back-up, too?)
— Frankie Maguire (@FrankieMaguire) July 20, 2024
There's a swagger & good arrogance to him. Still ways to improve, but he's one to watch. #avfc #utv pic.twitter.com/69lqrtmtrQ
Rogers was then the creator for Villa's third. This time picking the ball up on the right hand side, Rogers drove inside and cut the ball through for Archer whose shot took a slight deflection into the back of the net.
The squad will travel back to Birmingham before jetting off in the next couple of days to America. Their trip to the USA will see Villa play Columbus Crew, RB Leipzig and Club America in the space of a week.
UTV