Final Result & Reaction
Posted: 23 Feb 2025, 07:54
Aston Villa 2-3 (a.e.t.) Bournemouth
A hell of a spectacle to kick off the new season with nearly 50 attempts on goal between the teams and over 20 shots on target. The two teams made it the occasion it deserved to be and the crowd watching were fully appreciative.
In the end it wasn't our day As Nicolas Jackson grabbed the winner in the last minute of extra time. The Cherries probably just edged it but a penalty shootout would also have been a decent way to finish it. Wasn't to be though.
I didn't realise fitness would be impacted by this game and the extra 30 has left us already struggling for the first league game. Fortunately we have the squad to deal with it and did make some subs. On the plus side Gvardiol rated up on his debut for the club and Cunha got off the mark straight away as well.
We know it's going to be a tough job to retain this year but we're happy with this start despite the result. Bournemouth are one of the top sides on the game and Matt is a great manager who is tough to get the better of. In the league this would have been a point which we'd take every day against his outfit.
We're up and running and looking forward to the season starting next week