Aston Villa kicked off their pre-season preparations for the 2026/27 campaign with a convincing 5-0 victory over Walsall at the Bescot Stadium. Brian Madjo scored twice in the first half, either side of a goal from George Hemmings, while Luka Lynch and Aidan Borland added second-half strikes to complete the rout.
First-Half Dominance
Walsall created a few half-chances in the opening 20 minutes, but Villa soon took control. Leon Bailey and Hemmings both fired efforts wide of Jed Ward's goal before Madjo opened the scoring in the 24th minute. The striker, who has yet to make his official Villa debut due to registration issues, bullied his marker and converted Kosta Nedeljkovic's inviting cross from close range.
Hemmings doubled Villa's lead in the 43rd minute, sweeping home with his left foot after good build-up play. Madjo then added a third just before half-time, reacting quickest to a loose ball in the box.
Second-Half Changes
Villa manager Unai Emery made 10 changes at half-time, with only Modou Cisse remaining on the pitch. The reshuffled side continued to dominate, adding a fourth goal through Lynch's deflected effort before Borland finished neatly inside the box to make it 5-0.
Player Ratings
First Half
- Joe Gauci – Rarely tested, with no saves to make in the opening 45 minutes. He returned to Villa this summer after a loan spell at Port Vale.
- Kosta Nedeljkovic – Returned after RB Leipzig opted against making his move permanent. Provided the assist for Villa's opener with an excellent cross.
- Modou Cisse – Returned from a title-winning loan spell in Austria, slotting into the right centre-back role with ease.
- TJ Carroll – An imposing presence at the back, comfortable playing out from defence and dealt well with Walsall's attacking threat.
- Ian Maatsen – Unlucky not to score after drilling a long-range effort just wide in the 38th minute.
- Lamare Bogarde – Constantly communicated with Cisse as Villa built from the back, regularly dropping deep to dictate play.
- Ross Barkley – Linked play well in the double pivot alongside Bogarde, helping Villa control possession.
- Leon Bailey – Expected to leave Villa this summer, but looked sharp and lively, spraying a superb pass before weaving past defenders.
- Emi Buendia – Captained Villa in the first half, operating in the No. 10 role and linking play effectively.
- George Hemmings – Earned his first-team opportunity after impressing last season. Saw one effort deflected before curling another wide, then coolly swept home Villa's second.
- Brian Madjo – Villa supporters finally got their first look at Madjo, and he didn't disappoint. Showcased strength, movement and clinical finishing, scoring twice.
Second Half
- James Wright – Had very little to deal with, largely untested throughout his 45 minutes.
- Matty Cash – Looked sharp, showing quick feet in tight spaces and providing plenty of energy down the right flank.
- Modou Cisse – The only player to remain on the pitch after half-time. Produced another composed display before making way for Sam Iling-Junior midway through the second half.
- Tyrone Mings – Marshalled the defence well, constantly helping the youngsters around him with instructions and encouragement.
- Triston Rowe – Demonstrated versatility by moving into central defence for part of the second half, adapting well.
- Joao Gomes – Villa's new £35 million signing operated on the right side of the double pivot. Looked secure in possession, showed good energy both in and out of possession.
- Aidan Borland – Capped an impressive display with a superb goal in the 69th minute, curling an effort into the far corner with the outside of his left foot.
- Luka Lynch – Used his body well to protect the ball on the wing and got his reward with Villa's fourth goal, though it took a deflection.
- Alysson – Offered an exciting glimpse of his potential. Burst clear on goal early in the second half, only for his attempted pass to be intercepted when he might have shot. Remained a constant threat.
- Ben Broggio – Fresh from a productive loan spell at Falkirk, started on the left wing but saw relatively little of the ball.
- Brad Burrowes – Enjoyed an outstanding campaign with Villa's Under-21s last season, looking to carry that form into pre-season.
Positive Start
While results count for little in pre-season, Villa's 5-0 win was convincing, with the team playing with confidence, intensity and plenty of expression. Madjo and Hemmings were the standout performers in the first half, while Alysson caught the eye after the interval.
New £35 million signing Joao Gomes also got 45 minutes under his belt, having trained with Wolves before completing his move across the West Midlands. He operated on the right side of the double pivot alongside Borland and looked composed in possession, while showcasing the energy and work rate to press until the final whistle.
Senior players such as Mings, Cash, Barkley, Buendia and Maatsen all appeared to have maintained their fitness well during the off-season. Seven more pre-season fixtures now await, including the UEFA Super Cup meeting with Paris Saint-Germain in Salzburg.
