Aston Villa player ratings vs Walsall as Watkins, Cash, Iroegbunam and Philogene impress
BirminghamLive brings you reaction from Aston Villa's draw with Walsall in pre-season
Our dedicated Aston Villa reporter is always on the pulse of all things claret and blue, from major talking points to transfer news to match action, John Townley will bring you the very latest from Bodymoor Heath and Villa Park.
Aston Villa opened their pre-season programme with a 1-1 draw with Walsall at the Poundland Bescot Stadium.
Unai Emery used every outfield player available in his 23-man squad, which lacked a number of first-team regulars. The Saddlers opened the scoring in the first half as Danny Johnson tapped in from close range after Villa failed to clear their lines from a corner.
Walsall started their pre-season schedule with a win over Leamington on Tuesday night, and matched Villa for large parts of the game this afternoon. Villa lacked creativity in the final third in the first half, before Philogene provided a much-needed spark to win a penalty minutes before half-time.
Watkins converted the spot-kick with aplomb by sending goalkeeper Owen Evans the wrong way, before Emery elected to make three alterations at half-time. Calum Chambers, Morgan Sanson and Ezri Konsa all came on, as Joshua Feeney, Tim Iroegbunam and Aaron Ramsey were substituted.
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Villa started the second half as they ended the first, with more poise in attack and intent to threaten the Walsall goal as Emi Buendia and Lucas Digne both had efforts cleared away. Emery then made another round of substitutions on the hour mark.
Youngsters Ben Chrisene and Seb Revan combined on the left channel in replace of Lucas Digne and Philogene, while Travis Patterson came into midfield alongside Sanson, with Chambers moving back into defence with Konsa. Lamare Bogarde came in at right-back, as Omari Kellyman, Kadan Young and Tommi O'Reilly led Villa's attack.
Villa's academy stars fared well and created multiple chances in search of a winner, with Kellyman coming the closest to a goal. Emery's squad jet off to the USA next week for Premier League Summer Series matches against Newcastle, Fulham and Brentford.
Player ratings
Filip Marschall
A solid showing from Marschall, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Gateshead. 6
Matty Cash
Held his position and chose the right times to push forward. Kept possession well for the most part and didn't let anything get past him down his channel. 7
Diego Carlos
Carlos started his first game since rupturing his Achilles back in August last year. He sprayed passes throughout the first half - some came off, some didn't. A good run out for the Brazilian. 6
Josh Feeney
Feeney played on the left-side of defence and played well. He dealt with the threat of Johnson well, until he couldn't quite sort his feet out at the back post when Villa were defending a corner, which led to Walsall's opener. Subbed at half-time. 6
Lucas Digne
Digne has been given the number 12 to wear for the new season. The left-back blocked crosses and progressed the ball well down the left flank. 6
Douglas Luiz
As you'd expect, he was a class above in this one. Some of his touches and passes were top drawer. Luiz enjoyed himself this afternoon. 7
Tim Iroegbunam
The 20-year-old glided across the park in the first half and showed real maturity in possession. You can already tell how much his loan spell at QPR has helped him. Subbed at half-time. 7
Aaron Ramsey
Worked hard and covered Digne well. Nearly scored the opening goal, but couldn't quite get on the end of Watkins' cross. Subbed at half-time. 6
Jaden Philogene
Won Villa's penalty through some tricky skill and caused problems throughout. Picked up dangerous positions in the final third. 7
Emi Buendia
Buendia lost possession cheaply on a few occasions, but this is only the first match of pre-season and he'll get back up to speed in no time. 6
Ollie Watkins
Showed flashes of quality but was starved of service in large parts of the game. 7
SUBS
Konsa (HT): Comfortable and composed as ever. 6
Chambers (HT): Played the second half in midfield alongside Luiz in a double pivot. 6
Sanson (HT): Played in an advanced role which suited him, but couldn't make much happen in the final third when he did get on the ball. 6
Sinisalo: Had very little to do after coming on in the second half. 6
Chrisene: Played at left-back and snuffed out danger on a few occasions. 6
Bogarde: Operated at right-back. Got forward well and played with the ball inside. 6
Revan: Played on the left wing and looked bright. 6
O'Reilly: A really clever football with excellent technique. 6
Patterson: Played in midfield alongside Sanson for the final 25 minutes of the game. 6
Kellyman: Showed some encouraging signs. A few great touches. 6
Young: Very lively on the right wing. Made a few chances with his speed down the flank. 7
Subs not used: James Wright (GK)
GOALS
Walsall: Johnson (31)
Aston Villa: Watkins (44)