Elche vs Aston Villa

[Somniloquism]

Not much to comment really on the youth side. Madjo did some good work once to get into the box, one of the defenders did well to cut out a ball into the box. But the Villa performance was not good either half whether senior or junior players.

[VILLA MOLE]

It felt very pre season from our point of you ,  not a lot of tempo patterns of play and  barely kept the ball 

[Baldy]

How did the youngsters get on?

Not being smart but it was difficult to tell. Our senior players were in holiday mode.

Not a great platform for any youngster to impress.

[TopDeck113]

So two goals conceeded, both at the very end of each half.  Sounds like a Villa performance.

[Monty]

So...was the whole point to get Mings and Torres together or something?

[Baldy]

Unai seems to have a soft spot for Elche. AI overview:

Unai Emery's connections with Spanish club Elche span from a pivotal moment in his early playing career to recent friendly matches organized as a coach.

2026 Friendly Match: In March 2026, Unai Emery arranged a surprise friendly match between his Aston Villa side and Elche to take place at the Pinatar Arena in Murcia during the international break. The match was arranged to keep Villa's non-international players active during a busy period.

'Pivotal Mentality Lesson (1990s): During his playing career at Club Deportivo Toledo, Emery had a crisis of confidence before a match against Elche. He admitted in his biography, Unai Emery, El Maestro, that he and friends considered betting on Elche to win because Toledo were considered underdogs. This moment—where a cashier, who was a Toledo supporter, questioned his betting decision—taught him a crucial lesson about confidence and mindset in football, which he says changed his approach to the game.

Villarreal Tenure (2021): While managing Villarreal in 2021, Emery prepared his side to face Elche in La Liga, highlighting the importance of the fixture in his pre-match press conferences'

[Luffbralion]

Can’t say Elliot did much to impress. Very disinclined to track back. Barkley can be a joy to watch in moments, so skilful.

As mobile as a telephone box.

Nominated as the star man, and given an 8, in the Birmingham Live analysis.

[Lsvilla]

Can’t say Elliot did much to impress. Very disinclined to track back. Barkley can be a joy to watch in moments, so skilful.

As mobile as a telephone box.

Nominated as the star man, and given an 8, in the Birmingham Live analysis.

I didn't watch it so have nothing to add of value but my mate posted this....


Yeah I have been watching it, have to say (and I know it is just a friendly) Elliot has been fantastic such a shame what has happened with him, clearly a very talented player!

I would say I don't usually value his opinion greatly and often feel he's watched a different game to me.

[brontebilly]

So...was the whole point to get Mings and Torres together or something?

Hopefully not

[eamonn]

What a waste of time all-round! Hope their flight is delayed and the despair in the departure lounge galvanises them for Q4.

[Rudy Can't Fail]

I think it is T J Caroll?  Looks composed so far

I confused T J Carroll with D B Cooper who was also very composed.

[eamonn]

Allied to George Hemmings, they all sound less like Villa 2020 starlets and more akin to Victorian novelists with loose morals.

[Brazilian Villain]

Allied to George Hemmings, they all sound less like Villa 2020 starlets and more akin to Victorian novelists with loose morals.

TJ Carroll sounds like an Offaly hurler or a purveyor of baked hams.