Walsall suffered a heavy 5-0 defeat to Aston Villa at the Bescot Stadium in Lee Grant’s first home match as Saddlers manager, with Unai Emery’s side producing a dominant pre-season display.
Young forward Brian Madjo stole the show with a first-half brace, while George Hemmings also found the net before the break to put Villa firmly in control. Second-half goals from Luka Lynch and Aidan Borland completed an emphatic victory for the Europa League champions.
Grant handed starts to new defensive signings Declan Skura and Ryan Leak, while Villa fielded several experienced first-team players including Ian Maatsen, Lamare Bogarde, Ross Barkley, Leon Bailey and Emi Buendia.
Walsall made a bright start and looked the more threatening side during the opening exchanges. Aaron Pressley headed over the crossbar before Mason Hancock’s deflected effort flashed narrowly wide, although Villa goalkeeper Joe Gauci was rarely called into serious action.
Villa gradually settled and took the lead midway through the first half when Madjo reacted quickest to meet Kosta Nedeljkovic’s delivery, firing into the roof of the net from close range.
The visitors continued to dominate, with Maatsen narrowly missing before Villa doubled their advantage just before half-time. Bailey released Buendia down the left, and the Argentine squared for Hemmings, who calmly swept home.
Moments later, Madjo grabbed his second after capitalising on a loose ball inside the penalty area to make it 3-0 before the interval.
Emery introduced 10 changes at the break, including new £38 million signing Joao Gomes, making his first appearance since joining from Wolves.
Villa maintained complete control after the restart. Bradley Burrowes went close twice before substitute Luka Lynch added a fourth with a deflected strike that looped over Jed Ward.
Lynch then turned provider, delivering an inviting cross for Aidan Borland to fire into the bottom corner and complete the scoring.
Walsall next face AFC Telford United, while Aston Villa continue their preparations with an away friendly against FC Porto this weekend.
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