Ollie Watkins made it 3-0 before the break, rising to meet a lofted ball into the box and directing his header neatly into the bottom-left corner. Donyell Malen's late right-footed effort gave Villa their fourth and final, continuing a stellar pre-season campaign for the Dutchman.

Serie A sides Roma and Como were in pre-season action this evening, as Gian Piero Gasperini’s Giallorossi side were defeated 4-0 by Premier League side Aston Villa and Cesc Fabregas’ Como emerged

The Emery era has tended to be adept in managing turbulence — how his side start the season proper will be another test of such resolve