Aston Villa kicked off their pre-season tour of Asia with a cushty 3-1 win over Indonesia All Stars at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium.
Unai Emery named a powerful facet in Jakarta, a call which paid off because the guests took a commanding 2-0 lead into the half-time break.
Victor Lindelof, Evann Guessand and John McGinn all performed their first pre-season minutes, whereas summer signing Alejandro Garnacho was handed his first minutes in claret and blue.
The Villans took the lead after 4 minutes by way of a trademark Emi Buendia strike, following some good link-up play with Kosta Nedeljkovic by way of the center of the park.
Ross Barkley then doubled Villa’s lead with a left-footed strike into the underside nook on the stroke of half-time.
“We are happy and feeling comfortable out here,” Emery advised VillaTV, external. “This camp is important for us in terms of how we are going to get fit and adapt with our new players.
“I’m actually optimistic with how we’re constructing the staff, how we’re dealing with a whole lot of adjustments, and the way we’re responding daily.”
Emery made 10 changes at the break, with goalkeeper James Wright the only player to stay on for the full 90 minutes. The hosts also fielded a completely different XI.
Young striker Brian Madjo, who made it four goals in four appearances, was the only name on Villa’s second-half scoresheet, while the Indonesia All Stars managed to clinch an 83rd-minute consolation goal.
“I wish to inform all our supporters that we’re coming again with a brand new spirit for a brand new chapter,” Emery added. “I’m actually excited.”
Aston Villa will proceed their pre-season tour by taking up BG Pathum United in Bangkok subsequent week.
