Charlton Athletic vs Aston Villa Recap: The John McGinn show

Aston Villa played their final preseason match in England with a trip to Charlton Athletic. Dean Smith sent out a starting lineup without Wesley for the first time seeming to confirm the rumors that the Brazilian striker picked up a knock in training. We are hoping to get more info soon.

Starting 11: Steer, Elmohamady, Konsa, Mings, Taylor, Hourihane, McGinn, Grealish, El Ghazi, Trezeguet, Davis.

Subs: Kalinic, Hause, Bree, Guilbert, Engels, Targett, Lansbury, Jota, Green, Hogan.

Storylines to watch:

• Davis and Konsa given the opportunity to impress Dean Smith
• Trezeguet makes his debut with his International captain lined up behind him. Both will want to start against Spurs.
• Will Steer be better?

The match started with El Ghazi on the attack — though his shot was blocked in the box. Villa seemed to be focusing forward movement down the wings. Makes sense because with the winger talent on the pitch. Charlton gave as good as they got though defending the middle of the park well — especially Williams who picked Jack Grealish’s pocket a few times in possession.

The best chance of the first off came around the 25 minute mark when Charlton defenders just lost concentration. The ball was basically passed to Jack unmarked in the box. But the shot was deflected harmlessly away from goal. The captain should have done better.

Just after the half an hour mark — the Youtube stream died. Jack looked to be going on a lovely run at the time. Apparently Neil Taylor had a shot that curled wide according to the Twitter folks at the match.

Then El Ghazi scored. I’m going to presume it was an unbelievable bicycle kick curled in from outside the box.

The stream came back at 41’ to confirm the goal.

Villa appeared to be in control. Elmo almost doubled the lead off a McGinn cross. Charlton defending well but not offering too much going forward.

During the break Villa showed the goal. It was well done with the attack starting on the right and ending up at the feet of Jack Grealish in the middle. The video can show you the rest including a nice finish.

Right as the Villa players entered the pitch the stream died again.

Subs were made! Jota, Guilbert and Green on. Elmo, Trezeguet & El Ghazi off. Makes sense all around really.

Jota once again impressed in the opening minutes of the second half. Could have had a goal from a great McGinn pass but a Charlton defender block it (which Charlton defenders did well all match).

Substitute Andre Green doubled the lead in the 55’. The set up play came from a nice bit of passing between Davis and Grealish. Jack laid it off perfectly for Green who made no mistake with the finish.

Two minutes later it was Super John McGinn’s turn. A shot from outside the box took a slight deflection, the keeper got a touch, but neither could send the ball wide. Three goals for an impressive Villa effort — especially at the start of the second half.

Charlton were given a penalty after a clumsy foul from Konsa on Taylor. Taylor stepped up against Steer and hit the ball perfectly. It went in off the post. Nothing to do to save that.

After the goal a slew of subs were made — Targett for Taylor, Hause for Konda, Lansbury for Hourihane, and Hogan for Davis.

Charlton should have scored a second but no one could get a touch to a cross that went through the six yard box in front of an open net. Villa took a bit to get used to the new squad on the field.

With less than 10 minutes to go — it was time for the John McGinn show. It was... quite simply... a sexy goal. The anticipation, the tenacity, the effort. Dead Sexy.

Now the answers to the storylines to watch:

• Davis and Konsa given the opportunity to impress Dean Smith

Split decision. Davis impressed with his hold up play and passing. He plays a supportive role up front and that works with such talented wingers plus Jack.

Konsa did not impress. He is still raw and we were all told that. He should the ability that makes everyone rate him so highly but also the mistakes — the penalty at the top of the list.

• Trezeguet makes his debut with his International captain lined up behind him. Both will want to start against Spurs.

The new winger did well. A few missed passes and moves — but that is expected because he is so unknown to his teammates. Did well with Elmo. I’d expect to see him start in Germany and that could determine if he beats out an impressive Jota to the RW position.

• Will Steer be better?

No mistakes. Not really tested either. Did well on one shot to his near post. Not at fault for the penalty because he went the right way but the shot was in off the post. Nothing to be done.

All in all a really enjoyable preseason match against a Championship side. No big injuries. Tight competition for spots in the squad. On to Germany next week!