Match Overview
Aston Villa delivered a commanding performance in their pre-season friendly against AS Roma, securing a resounding 4-0 victory at Walsall’s Pallet-Track Bescot Stadium on Wednesday, August 6, 2025. Unai Emery’s side showcased their attacking prowess and squad depth, racing to a 3-0 lead in the first half through goals from Emi Buendía, Jacob Ramsey, and Ollie Watkins.
The second half saw Villa maintain control, with Donyell Malen adding a late fourth goal to cap a dominant display. The match, attended by an enthusiastic crowd, highlighted Villa’s readiness for the 2025-26 Premier League season, while Roma struggled to match their intensity despite a spirited second-half effort. This victory marks Villa’s second win of pre-season, setting a positive tone ahead of their final friendlies against Marseille and Villarreal.
Pre-Match Context
Aston Villa’s Pre-Season
Under Unai Emery, Aston Villa have been meticulously preparing for the 2025-26 Premier League campaign, using pre-season to refine tactics and integrate new and returning players. Their recent tour of the USA yielded mixed results, with Donyell Malen contributing a goal and two assists across three matches. Ollie Watkins has been in scintillating form, scoring in all four pre-season games prior to this match. The choice of AS Roma as an opponent was strategic, offering a test against a Serie A side known for their tactical discipline under Gian Piero Gasperini. The match at Bescot Stadium also provided an opportunity to give minutes to 22 players, balancing experience with youth.
AS Roma’s Approach
AS Roma, managed by Gian Piero Gasperini, approached the match with a focus on building cohesion ahead of the 2025-26 Serie A season. Fielding a mix of established players like Artem Dovbyk and Stephan El Shaarawy alongside emerging talents like Matias Soule, Roma aimed to challenge Villa’s high-pressing style. However, their pre-season form has been inconsistent, and this match exposed their defensive vulnerabilities against a well-drilled Villa side.
Key Players to Watch
Aston Villa: Ollie Watkins (in-form striker), Emi Buendía (creative spark), Jacob Ramsey (dynamic midfielder), and Donyell Malen (new signing with flair).
AS Roma: Artem Dovbyk (key forward), Matias Soule (exciting substitute), and Neil El Aynaoui (midfield prospect).
Lineups
Aston Villa Starting XI
Goalkeeper: Emiliano Martínez (replaced by Marco Bizot, 46’)
Defenders: Kosta Nedeljkovic (replaced by Matty Cash, 46’), Ezri Konsa, Tyrone Mings (replaced by Pau Torres, 46’), Ian Maatsen (replaced by Lucas Digne, 46’)
Midfielders: Boubacar Kamara (replaced by Samuel Iling-Junior, 64’), Youri Tielemans (replaced by Amadou Onana, 46’)
Forwards: Leon Bailey (replaced by John McGinn, 46’), Emi Buendía (replaced by Morgan Rogers, 46’, who was replaced by Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba, 52’), Jacob Ramsey (replaced by Kadan Hemmings, 64’), Ollie Watkins (replaced by Donyell Malen, 46’)
Substitutes Not Used: Robin Gauci (GK), Louie Rowe, Travis Patterson, Finn Burrowes
Coach: Unai Emery
AS Roma Starting XI
Goalkeeper: Mile Svilar
Defenders: Zeki Çelik (replaced by Filippo Ghilardi, 69’), Gianluca Mancini, Mario Hermoso, Angeliño (replaced by Alessio Reale, 77’)
Midfielders: Neil El Aynaoui, Manu Koné (replaced by Bryan Cristante, 71’), Edoardo Baldanzi (replaced by Matias Soule, 57’)
Forwards: Stephan El Shaarawy (replaced by Nicolo Cherubini, 57’), Artem Dovbyk
Substitutes Not Used: Vasquez (GK), Zelenzy, Marash Kumbulla, Salah-Darboe, Romano, Pisilli
Coach: Gian Piero Gasperini
Match Timeline and Highlights
First Half
Aston Villa set the tone from the opening whistle, displaying their attacking intent and high-pressing style in a 4-2-3-1 formation. Their relentless pressure and quick transitions overwhelmed Roma’s defense, leading to a commanding 3-0 lead by halftime.
⏱️ 0'27": Villa nearly scored inside the opening 30 seconds. Leon Bailey brilliantly controlled a long ball, cut inside, and unleashed a low drive that tested Mile Svilar, who made a sharp save.
⏱️ 5': Roma responded with Neil El Aynaoui curling a long-range effort narrowly wide, but Villa quickly regained control.
⏱️ 10': Emi Buendía began to trouble Roma’s backline, exploiting spaces with his movement and vision.
⚽ 15': Goal for Aston Villa! Emi Buendía opened the scoring with a sublime free-kick, arrowing the ball into the top corner after Ollie Watkins was fouled just outside the box. The Argentinian’s precision gave Villa a 1-0 lead.
⚽ 17': Goal for Aston Villa! Villa doubled their advantage in quick succession. Youri Tielemans played a clever reverse pass to Jacob Ramsey, who broke free and calmly slotted past Svilar in a one-on-one to make it 2-0.
⏱️ 25': Villa continued to dominate, with Ezri Konsa embarking on a marauding run forward, only to be denied by a last-ditch block from Roma’s defense.
⚽ 40': Goal for Aston Villa! Ollie Watkins added a third goal, maintaining his scoring streak. Emi Buendía cut inside from a wide position and delivered a pinpoint cross, which Watkins met with a guided header that clipped the post and went in, making it 3-0.
⏱️ 45': The first half ended with Villa in complete control, their high press and clinical finishing leaving Roma shell-shocked.
Second Half
Unai Emery made eight substitutions at halftime, introducing Marco Bizot, Matty Cash, Pau Torres, Lucas Digne, Amadou Onana, John McGinn, Morgan Rogers, and Donyell Malen to maintain freshness. Roma also made changes, injecting energy into their lineup.
⏱️ 46': The second half began with a more even contest, as Roma saw more possession and looked to claw their way back.
⏱️ 55': Youngster Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba, who replaced Morgan Rogers in the 52nd minute, nearly scored, firing a low shot just wide after finding space on the edge of the box.
⏱️ 60': Roma’s Matias Soule, introduced as a substitute, came closest to scoring, striking the crossbar with a curling effort after receiving a pass from Artem Dovbyk.
⏱️ 65': Villa continued to manage the game well, with their substitutes maintaining the intensity and structure set in the first half.
↔️ 64': Villa made further changes, with Samuel Iling-Junior and Kadan Hemmings replacing Boubacar Kamara and Jacob Ramsey.
↔️ 69': Roma substituted Zeki Çelik and Manu Koné with Filippo Ghilardi and Bryan Cristante, aiming to bolster their defense and midfield.
↔️ 77': Roma brought on Alessio Reale for Angeliño, but their attacking threat remained limited.
⚽ 85': Goal for Aston Villa! Donyell Malen sealed the victory with a clinical finish. Taking a pass from John McGinn in stride, the Dutchman struck a low effort into the bottom corner, making it 4-0 and rounding off a dominant performance.
⏱️ 90': The final whistle confirmed Aston Villa’s 4-0 victory, a testament to their attacking flair and squad depth.
Post-Match Analysis
Aston Villa’s Performance
Aston Villa delivered a near-perfect pre-season performance, blending attacking fluidity with defensive solidity. Their first-half blitz, led by Emi Buendía’s creativity, Jacob Ramsey’s composure, and Ollie Watkins’ clinical finishing, set the tone for a commanding victory.
The high-pressing 4-2-3-1 formation overwhelmed Roma, with Youri Tielemans and Boubacar Kamara controlling midfield. The second half saw Villa manage the game effectively, with substitutes like Donyell Malen and Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba adding energy and quality. Emery’s use of 22 players highlighted the squad’s depth, a crucial asset as they prepare for a demanding Premier League season.
AS Roma’s Performance
AS Roma struggled to cope with Villa’s intensity, particularly in the first half, where their defense was repeatedly exposed. Despite a more competitive second half, with Matias Soule hitting the crossbar, Roma lacked the cutting edge to trouble Villa’s defense. Gian Piero Gasperini’s side showed flashes of quality in possession, but their inability to convert chances and vulnerability to Villa’s press underscored areas for improvement. The match served as a learning experience for Roma as they build toward the Serie A season.
Key Moments
Buendía’s Free-Kick (15’): Emi Buendía’s stunning free-kick opened the scoring, showcasing his set-piece expertise.
Ramsey’s Quickfire Goal (17’): Jacob Ramsey’s clinical finish doubled Villa’s lead, capitalizing on Tielemans’ vision.
Watkins’ Header (40’): Ollie Watkins’ fourth goal in four pre-season games cemented Villa’s dominance.
Soule’s Crossbar (60’): Roma’s best chance came from Matias Soule, but the crossbar denied them a lifeline.
Malen’s Clincher (85’): Donyell Malen’s late goal put the game beyond doubt, highlighting Villa’s attacking depth.
Tactical Analysis
Aston Villa’s Tactics: Emery’s 4-2-3-1 formation emphasized high pressing and quick transitions. Leon Bailey and Emi Buendía stretched Roma’s defense, while Youri Tielemans and Boubacar Kamara provided midfield control. The use of eight substitutes at halftime maintained Villa’s intensity, with Donyell Malen and John McGinn adding dynamism in the final stages. Their ability to exploit set pieces (Watkins’ goal) and counter-attacks (Ramsey’s goal) was key.
AS Roma’s Tactics: Roma’s 4-2-3-1 struggled against Villa’s press, with their build-up play often disrupted. Neil El Aynaoui and Manu Koné showed promise in midfield, but the lack of cohesion in attack limited their threat. Substitutions like Matias Soule injected energy, but Roma’s defense couldn’t handle Villa’s relentless attacks.
Implications for Aston Villa
This emphatic victory reinforces Aston Villa’s credentials as a top Premier League contender for 2025-26. The performances of Ollie Watkins, Emi Buendía, and Jacob Ramsey highlight their attacking potency, while Donyell Malen’s impact off the bench suggests he could be a key addition. Emery’s ability to utilize 22 players without losing momentum underscores the squad’s depth, which will be crucial in navigating a busy season. The upcoming friendlies against Marseille and Villarreal will provide further tests, but this performance sets a high benchmark.
Implications for AS Roma
AS Roma’s heavy defeat exposes defensive frailties that Gian Piero Gasperini must address before the Serie A season. While Matias Soule and Artem Dovbyk showed glimpses of quality, Roma’s inability to handle Villa’s press and lack of clinical finishing highlight areas for improvement. The match serves as a wake-up call, with Roma needing to refine their defensive structure and attacking cohesion in their remaining pre-season fixtures.
Player Ratings
Aston Villa
Emiliano Martínez (7/10): Solid before being substituted at halftime.
Kosta Nedeljkovic (6.5/10): Contributed to the high press before being replaced.
Ezri Konsa (7/10): A marauding run nearly led to a goal; solid defensively.
Tyrone Mings (6.5/10): Anchored the defense before halftime substitution.
Ian Maatsen (6.5/10): Dynamic on the left, supported attacks well.
Boubacar Kamara (7/10): Controlled midfield with composure.
Youri Tielemans (7.5/10): Superb reverse pass for Ramsey’s goal, dictated play.
Leon Bailey (7/10): Threatened early with a stinging shot, stretched Roma’s defense.
Emi Buendía (8/10): Scored a stunning free-kick and assisted Watkins’ goal.
Jacob Ramsey (7.5/10): Clinical finish for the second goal, dynamic throughout.
Ollie Watkins (8/10): Continued his scoring streak with a well-taken header.
Substitutes:
Donyell Malen (7.5/10): Scored a fine goal to seal the win.
Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba (7/10): Lively cameo, nearly scored.
John McGinn (7/10): Assisted Malen’s goal, added energy.
Others (6.5/10): Maintained Villa’s structure and intensity.
AS Roma
Mile Svilar (6/10): Made an early save but couldn’t prevent Villa’s goals.
Zeki Çelik (5.5/10): Struggled against Villa’s wingers.
Gianluca Mancini (5.5/10): Overwhelmed by Villa’s attacking waves.
Mario Hermoso (5.5/10): Failed to organize the defense effectively.
Angeliño (6/10): Offered some attacking threat but was exposed defensively.
Neil El Aynaoui (6.5/10): Curled a shot wide, showed promise.
Manu Koné (6/10): Battled in midfield but couldn’t assert control.
Edoardo Baldanzi (6/10): Quiet before being substituted.
Stephan El Shaarawy (6/10): Limited impact in attack.
Artem Dovbyk (6.5/10): Set up Soule’s chance but lacked service.
Substitutes:
Matias Soule (7/10): Hit the crossbar, Roma’s biggest threat.
Others (6/10): Added energy but couldn’t change the game.
Aston Villa’s 4-0 rout of AS Roma showcased their attacking flair, squad depth, and tactical discipline under Unai Emery. Emi Buendía, Jacob Ramsey, Ollie Watkins, and Donyell Malen’s goals highlighted Villa’s potency, while their high press and effective substitutions overwhelmed a lackluster Roma side.
For Roma, the defeat exposes defensive vulnerabilities that Gian Piero Gasperini must address before the Serie A season. As Villa head into their final pre-season matches against Marseille and Villarreal, this performance sets a high standard for their Premier League aspirations.
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