Advertisement

Unai Emery sent clear Marcus Rashford transfer verdict as Aston Villa surprise emerges

Marcus Rashford (right) impressed on his debut for Aston Villa.
-Credit:Getty Images


Aston Villa go into the pot for the fifth round of the FA Cup after beating Tottenham Hotspur, in a game that saw Unai Emery's new January signings being given the chance to show their ability - and Villa fans in the Birmingham Live comments section say that they like what they saw of the new men, like Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio.

Jacob Ramsey and Morgan Rogers both scored, with Spurs' own new signing Mathys Tel getting his first goal for the club in reply. Donyell Malen made his first start, in the place of the injured Ollie Watkins, with new right-back Andres Garcia making a home debut.

On-loan stars Rashford and Asensio were both subbed on after Roger's goal, with both impressing off the bench. Emery said: "They were consistent and focused. As well, Marcus Rashford and Asensio, we watched their skill and how they helped us and will help us again in the next months in the different competitions we will face."

READ MORE: Kendrick Lamar part of Aston Villa plan to tackle £37m problem

READ MORE: Breaking: Aston Villa confirm summer transfer as pre-contract agreement struck

Seeing more of the January transfer window haul has excited Villa supporters. Reader Smashed says: "A very good performance from all of the new signings, leaving fans very optimistic about the future, some really nice football from Villa who at times looked scintillating. Rashford and Asensio both looked dangerous and up for the challenge, and fans were treated to an insight of what is to come.

"Rashford looks so at home in his favoured position on the left and Asensio looked equally at home on the right. Villa now have many options up front and it could turn out to be a very fruitful window for the club."

Commenter Chosen in 1957 writes: "The signings that have been made bode so well for our future. We all know about Marcus Rashford and what he's capable of, and to see him come on and slot in immediately was brilliant to see. I still think that Marco Asensio will be the best of the five signings that we made in the window. His quality was evident from his first touch of the ball. He's won and achieved so much previously when playing for PSG and especially when he was so outstanding at Real Madrid and Spain."

Mac78 says: "Thought Garcia was very good tonight, solid defensively and decent going forward, nice to finally have competition for [Matty] Cash. Gutted to see [Ezri] Konsa go off injured, we need CB's back fit ASAP, with some tough games coming up next week. All in all, a great team performance tonight and nice to be in the draw tomorrow night. Expecting another tough draw as we never get easy ones."

Crichy writes: "Finally, a second decent right-back, well done Garcia. Malen looks electric, really looking forward to seeing more of him. Asensio is a baller, very intelligent player with outstanding abilities.

"Rashford looks well and truly reignited, I think we could have got a bargain. I doubted the Rashford and Asensio signings, I thought they would be 'Coutinho-like' signings, I'll be the first to admit I got it wrong thankfully."

Villain says: "An exciting game to watch. Concern about Konsa injury but encouraged with the Malen, Asensio and Rashford showings. Again Rogers' performance was excellent. At times the movement and speed was breathtaking. When we have a fully fit squad we will be a team to take seriously."

Vanquish writes: "Really good performance overall. [Leon] Bailey was better, but he's still nowhere near last season. The attack lit up when he came off and Rashford and Asensio came on. Shame Malen came off though. I thought he played really well. I suppose it's good for Emery to have good options in attack and change things up. Hopefully we can get some centre backs fit soon!"

Have your say! After seeing more of the January signings, what is Aston Villa's "ceiling" this year? Comment below, and join in on the conversation.