John Townley's Aston Villa player ratings as debutants impress in 2-1 Carabao Cup victory at Wycombe
Aston Villa secured their passage to the fourth round of the Carabao Cup with a 2-1 win over Wycombe Wanderers at Adams Park.
Emi Buendia, who made his first start for Villa in over 16 months, broke the deadlock with a looping header which beat Wycombe goalkeeper Franco Ravizzoli. Jhon Duran then doubled Villa's lead by scoring from the penalty spot in the 86th minute, before Richard Kone scored a consolation goal for the hosts.
It's the first time Villa have progressed past round three of the Carabao Cup since 2020, following defeats to Everton, Manchester United and Chelsea in the previous three campaigns.
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Duran made his first start of the season and was presented with a brilliant chance to open the scoring inside the first minute of the game. He was played in by Leon Bailey, but the striker placed his effort wide of the post.
Joe Gauci and Kadan Young both enjoyed full debuts, while Emery also started youngsters Kosta Nedeljkovic, Lamare Bogarde and Sil Swinkels. Amadou Onana, Ian Maatsen and Duran aren't much older, while Ross Barkley, Leon Bailey and Buendia also started.
Jacob Ramsey and 17-year-old midfielder Aidan Borland both came on after the hour mark as Onana and Bailey were replaced - you'd expect both to start against Ipswich Town when Villa face the newly-promoted side at Portman Road on Sunday.
Gauci made an outstanding save to keep Villa ahead late on as he sprung across his goal line to deny Gareth McCleary's header from a corner. Duran then linked up well with Barkley before winning and converting a penalty.
Vila will discover who they will play in the Carabao Cup fourth round on Wednesday night live on Sky Sports after the tie between Liverpool and West Ham.
Player ratings
Joe Gauci
Gauci made his debut for Villa eight months after signing for the club from Adelaide United. He is proactive in his box, always looking to relieve pressure off his defence by claiming crosses. His distribution still requires a bit of work, but it has noticeably improved since his first pre-season friendly in the summer. He deserved to keep a clean sheet and would have done but the late strike. 8
Kosta Nedeljkovic
Nedeljkovic combined well with Bailey when he could burst forward. He had a difficult task against the lively Kieran Sadlier. A strong display from the teenager. 7
Lamare Bogarde
Bogarde, who had been operating at right-back so far this season, played at centre-back tonight. He made a few important interceptions and looked the part against a level of opposition he is used to playing after loan spells at Bristol Rovers in League One. 7
Sil Swinkels
Swinkels was looking to progress the ball at every opportunity. He played a few long balls which skipped away from its intended target, but equally, some came off too. It was an encouraging display from the 20-year-old. 7
Ian Maatsen
Maatsen was excellent in possession and worked hard off the ball too. In the ninth minute he tucked around to deny Wycombe the chance to score after Barkley gave the ball away. 8
Amadou Onana
Onana is a few levels above the Wycombe midfielders, but to their credit, they did their best to limit the Belgian's influence in the game. 7
Ross Barkley
Barkley played a key role in Villa's last two home wins against Everton and Wolves. He made his first start of the season tonight alongside Onana. He kept possession well for the most part, but gave it away in the ninth minute, which gave Wycombe the chance to break the deadlock. Barkley knitted play together nicely. 7
Leon Bailey
Bailey slipped Duran through on goal, but the forward missed the target inside the opening minute of the game. Considering he picked up an injury a few weeks ago, it's good to see Bailey getting more minutes under his belt. 6
Kadan Young
Young is a throwback of a winger. He constantly wants to size his opponent up and get past them, reach the byline and produce a cross. He's positive and that's what Emery likes about the youngster. His cross led to Buendia's opener. 7
Emi Buendia
Buendia made his first start for Villa since the last day of the 2022/23 season when the club secured its return to European football. He linked the midfield and attack well and marked his return to the XI with a goal. It was a brilliant header from the diminutive Argentine. 8
Jhon Duran
Duran missed a good chance early on after being played in by Bailey. He led the line well and ran the channels too. He was desperate to get a goal tonight and did just that after being fouled in the box. There was no doubt he'd bury his penalty. 8
SUBS
Ramsey (62'), Borland (62'), Broggio (86'), Patterson (90'), Jimoh-Aloba (90').
Subs not used: Zych, Katsukunya, Rowe, Moore.
GOALS
Wycombe Wanderers: N/A
Aston Villa: Buendia (55'), Duran (85')