RB Leipzig (& Coca-Cola) vs Aston Villa Pre-Season Friendly Match Thread

[PeterWithe]

My tinterweb is a bit dodgy, what was the score please?

[Legion]

1-3 us.

[SoccerHQ]

I wouldn't call it a back to the walls win. I would suggest today there was a very defined period of time that they were the better team. And overall they are despite the win. But we showed plenty of invention ourselves, plenty of things to be optimistic about and very optimistic about and a good number of things to work on. Today was essential because will be better than this lot. They have a very settled line up, with some really outstanding players and arguably the best forward in the PL. This game showed how much faster teams will press us, how much they will move without the ball, and how much more strategic the coaching will be against us. We gave a very account of ourselves overall.

Judging it on Leipzig having 8-9 corners today, seemed to have flurry at start of the match and quite a few at start of second half.

[themossman]

There was some lovely wide play today which is a novel thing for us. Genuine attacking quality from fullbacks on both sides.

Targett and ah ghazi seem to have a good understanding already. One lovely moment where el ghazi stood up a defender and back heeled the ball to Targett who was overlapping. The kind of nice little move that suggests they are on the same wavelength.

[mallo]

That Heaton one handed save with the ball going in the opposite direction was just ridiculous - kept fit he’ll get us 10 extra points - brilliant keeper. Great result but Spurs will be a different prospect altogether. Think we need to work out how to get Wes into play more - maybe he should come back a bit more and play like a forward midfielder to hold it up and pass to runners. Get it wide then run into the box.

[Legion]

Any highlights available yet?

[paul_e]

I wouldn't call it a back to the walls win. I would suggest today there was a very defined period of time that they were the better team. And overall they are despite the win. But we showed plenty of invention ourselves, plenty of things to be optimistic about and very optimistic about and a good number of things to work on. Today was essential because will be better than this lot. They have a very settled line up, with some really outstanding players and arguably the best forward in the PL. This game showed how much faster teams will press us, how much they will move without the ball, and how much more strategic the coaching will be against us. We gave a very account of ourselves overall.

Judging it on Leipzig having 8-9 corners today, seemed to have flurry at start of the match and quite a few at start of second half.

I'd say we were slightly the better side in the first half but in general it was pretty even. After half time they were the better side for about 25 minutes but once we got through that we finished the game better and were on top when we got our 2 late-ish goals.

[Legion]

Link to Heaton's save: https://twitter.com/villareport/status/1157662837948465153

[Steve67]

Great to finish pre-season with a win, regardless of where they are fitness wise.  We have some very talented players.

[Nelson Lodge]

Found some highlights on YouTube by google search. Hope it works.

[Tayls_7]

That Heaton one handed save with the ball going in the opposite direction was just ridiculous - kept fit he’ll get us 10 extra points - brilliant keeper. Great result but Spurs will be a different prospect altogether. Think we need to work out how to get Wes into play more - maybe he should come back a bit more and play like a forward midfielder to hold it up and pass to runners. Get it wide then run into the box.

Not being rolled over by Spuds and giving them a game will auger well for the season. Fingers crossed we've gelled enough to start the season quickly.

[Toronto Villa]

Solid work finding that Nelson

The save from Heaton is just outstanding. It’s one of those where every one of our players, especially the defenders just feels a little taller knowing he’s back there.

[olaftab]

RB are a very good team having qualified for Champions League in the Bundesliga so it’s a good result but their season doesn’t start till a week later than us you could say that they were a bit undercooked thus the late goals for us. Still a good win.

[paul_e]

RB are a very good team having qualified for Champions League in the Bundesliga so it’s a good result but their season doesn’t start till a week later than us you could say that they were a bit undercooked thus the late goals for us. Still a good win.

They do have a cup game next week though so they won't be far behind in fitness, if at all. I certainly don't think our goals came because they, as a team, were visibly tiring more than us.

[OCD]

Look at what happened in Europe last season though. Top European sides tired to English opposition because they’re not used to the intensity English teams now play at.