The Villa Match Report – Aston Villa 3 Luton Town 1
By Rob Carter
In a Word
Accomplished
‘Able to do or finish something successfully.’
Cambridge Dictionary
The Carter Report
11 home Premier Leage wins in a row – this was the laudable backdrop to the visit of Luton Town to Villa Park, adding to the sense of anticipation that Unai Emery’s side could make it a magnificent dozen.
Having watched Villa for over 40 years, your correspondent has rarely felt more relaxed on his walk to the stadium. Surely nothing could go wrong?
A packed Holte End greeted the teams and were rewarded by the kind of start we have become accustomed to – Ezri Konsa rolling the ball under his studs, Boubacar Kamara looking so laid back he was almost horizontal, John McGinn roaming the midfield like a swirling dervish. Soon enough, the dynamic Scotsman gave the home side the lead, making the most of a devilish pass from Douglas Luiz to sweep home.
The home crowd were in raptures, egged on by the visitors desperate cry of ‘National League Champions – you’ll never sing that.’ Cue much hilarity on the Holte.
Despite missing a few more chances, spirits were high on the concourses at half-time. The beer was flowing, with the anticipation of more goals to come.
As soon as the superb Moussa Diaby had smashed Villa into a two-goal lead, it was effectively game over. A comedy own goal by Tom Lockyer added to the good vibes, and even another comedy own goal (by the best goalkeeper in the world ™) could not sour the mood.
Missing players Emi Buendia, Tyrone Mings, Jacob Ramsey and Alex Moreno were serenaded by the fans, the Holte End ole’d Luton when they strung a few passes together, and Villa looked dangerous every time they got ball. Salad days indeed.
Rarely have Villa looked so comfortable in their own skin. The transformation brough about by Spanish genius Emery has been nothing short of remarkable. Nothing seems beyond this team right now.
With the litmus test of back-to-back home games with Arsenal and Manchester City looming on the horizon, Villa fans will be licking their lips in anticipation at taking a big scalp (or two), not to even mention the upcoming excitement of European nights against Legia Warsaw and AZ Alkmaar.
Time to pinch yourself – it doesn’t get any better than this.
UTV.
Value rating: £35 (out of £41)
