‘No need to hit panic button’ and ‘wonderful to see Buendia back’

We asked for your views on Aston Villa‘s 4-1 loss to Columbus Crew during the club’s trip to the United States.

Here are some of your comments:

Matt: Lots of new faces playing together competitively for the first time and missing arguably our best three players in Ollie Watkins, Ezri Konsa and Emi Martinez, not to mention our captain Super John McGinn! No need to hit the panic button yet, but we’re going to have to go through the gears quickly if we’re going to get up to Premier League speed by mid-August.

Ian: Not a great result. But of the team that started, there were probably only three players that would be definite first-team starters. Columbus are already well into their season and obviously looked much sharper. On a plus side, how wonderful to see Emi Buendia back.

Lee: The match was about new players getting minutes and returning players from long-term injuries. Villa played with youth team keepers and clearly they need to work on starting positions for a high line tactic. Amadou Onana, Ian Maatsen and Buendia came through with good returns or debuts. The scoreline flattered a fitter, more cohesive team.

Andy: Great to see Buendia get 30 minutes. Morgan Rogers was by far the best player on the pitch and he is going to have an important role this season. Playing the high line caught us out for the goals . Columbus are a good team so a good run-out for the players. Great stadium and fans made us welcome. There was a good turnout for Villa too.