**Aston Villa Dominate Bologna 2-0**

ZAGO 𝕸𝖊𝖉𝖎𝖆

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Post on Oct 23, 2024

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Aston Villa Dominate Bologna 2-0 in Pre-Season Friendly

Aston Villa kicked off their pre-season tour of the United States with a convincing 2-0 victory over Serie A side Bologna on Wednesday. The game, played at the Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego, saw Villa dominate proceedings from the first whistle, showcasing a potent attacking force and a well-organized defense.

Early Pressure and Dominant First Half

From the outset, Villa pressed high and controlled the tempo of the match. Their midfielders, led by the ever-reliable Douglas Luiz, dictated play, creating chances for the forwards. In the 18th minute, Leon Bailey broke the deadlock with a clinical finish, expertly converting a pass from John McGinn. The goal was a testament to Villa's fluid movement and intricate passing, showcasing the team's attacking fluidity under manager Unai Emery.

Ollie Watkins, the club's leading scorer last season, continued his impressive form by doubling the lead in the 33rd minute. He received a perfectly weighted through ball from Jacob Ramsey and slotted the ball calmly past the Bologna goalkeeper. The first half concluded with Villa firmly in control, showcasing their dominance in both possession and attacking threat.

Second Half Control and Tactical Adjustments

While the intensity of the game subsided slightly in the second half, Villa continued to control the match. Emery made several substitutions, giving valuable minutes to the likes of Cameron Archer, Jaden Philogene-Bidace, and Nicolo Zaniolo, who recently joined the club. This provided an opportunity to assess the squad's depth and gauge the potential of new additions.

The game served as a strong statement of intent from Villa, as they demonstrated their commitment to building a winning team under Emery's leadership. The victory against Bologna will undoubtedly boost morale within the squad, as they prepare for the upcoming Premier League season.

Key Takeaways from the Match

• Villa's attacking prowess: The team's fluidity and creativity in attack were evident, suggesting a promising attacking force for the season ahead.
• Emery's tactical vision: The manager's emphasis on possession-based football and high pressing was clearly visible, indicating a well-defined game plan.
• Depth within the squad: The introduction of various players in the second half highlighted the squad's depth and the potential for rotation throughout the season.

Looking Ahead

Aston Villa will now look to build on this positive start as they continue their pre-season tour. Their next test will be against Newcastle United on July 26th, another opportunity to fine-tune their tactics and build team chemistry ahead of the Premier League's return in August.

The win against Bologna suggests that Villa will be a force to be reckoned with in the upcoming season. With their new additions, tactical clarity, and renewed confidence, they will be aiming for a strong showing in the Premier League.