Aston Villa made it two wins from two pre-season matches with a 3-1 triumph over Indonesia All Stars at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium in Jakarta. The Premier League side took an early lead when Emi Buendia found the net in the third minute. Ross Barkley then produced a fine finish with his weaker left foot to double the advantage, and Brian Madjo added a third around ten minutes into the second half. The Indonesian side pulled one back late on, meaning James Wright was unable to keep a clean sheet.
Following the match, head coach Unai Emery expressed his optimism about the squad's rebuild. "I am really optimistic about how we are building the team and how we are responding every day despite so many changes," Emery said. "I want to tell all our supporters that we are coming back again with a new spirit and a new chapter that we will write this year. Really, I am excited!"
New faces and absentees
Emery made ten changes at half-time, keeping only goalkeeper James Wright on the pitch. This gave several new signings the chance to feature, with Alejandro Garnacho, Evann Guessand, John McGinn and Victor Lindelöf all making their first pre-season appearances. Garnacho, who arrived from Chelsea last month, was one of the standout performers in the opening period, and his pace and directness caused problems for the Indonesia defence.
However, Villa remain without a number of key players. Johan Manzambi, Emi Martínez, Ollie Watkins and Ezri Konsa are all yet to report back for pre-season, while Tammy Abraham and Boubacar Kamara have been training but are not ready to feature in matches. The backroom staff has also seen significant changes, with Austin MacPhee, Pako Ayestarán and Antonio Rodríguez Saravia all departing this summer. Despite the turnover, Emery believes the club's underlying philosophy remains intact. Last season's Carabao Cup triumph - the club's first trophy in 30 years - was built on a strong culture, and the manager is confident that this new-look squad can continue that success.
Guessand's chance to impress
One player looking to force his way into Emery's plans is Evann Guessand, who started as the central striker against Indonesia All Stars. Often shifted out to the right wing in the first half of last season before a loan spell at Crystal Palace, Guessand was given the chance to play through the middle. The Ivorian is keen to play in support of a striker, and with Villa needing depth across the three attacking positions behind Ollie Watkins, he knows he must seize his opportunities.
Guessand had the match's first chance after John McGinn danced into the box, but his effort was saved. In the 20th minute, he was just behind a dangerous cross from Kosta Nedeljkovic, and shortly after he failed to control a Buendia pass in the area. A more natural No.9 might have had the instinct to shoot first time. However, his work rate was unquestionable - he pressed the backline, made tackles and chased loose balls in behind. One such run forced a corner from which Pau Torres should have scored after meeting McGinn's delivery.
Right-back situation
With Andrés García having left on loan for Getafe, Villa have been linked with a move for a new right-back, with Emerson Royal reportedly a leading target. Royal, 27, joined Flamengo last summer but has struggled for starts, prompting Villa to make their move at the beginning of July. Yet with the club also searching for a left-back, a midfielder and a right winger, spending further funds on a deputy right-back may not be a priority.
Kosta Nedeljkovic is already capable of filling that role, alongside Lamare Bogarde, Ezri Konsa and Victor Lindelöf. Given the limited transfer budget available until at least January, keeping the young Serb could be the more sensible financial decision. Nedeljkovic impressed against Indonesia All Stars, and although the opposition were modest, he will have the chance to test himself against Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain in the next ten days. His performances in those matches could influence Villa's transfer business.
Overall, this was a positive evening for Villa, with goals, new faces and a manager exuding confidence. Sterner tests lie ahead, but the early signs are promising as Emery continues to shape his squad for the season.
