Hat-trick Archer makes most of hisVilla chance
HAT-TRICK hero Cameron Archer and Aston Villa’s other young talents delighted assistant manager Craig Shakespeare in the Carabao Cup victory at Barrow.
Dean Smith made 10 changes for Tuesday’s clash at a sold-out Dunes Hotel Stadium, where Jaden Philogene-Bidace, Carney Chukwuemeka and Archer were all handed their first Villa starts.
The teenage trio impressed in the 6-0 second-round win against League Two side Barrow, with 19-year-old Archer grabbing three to complement Anwar El Ghazi’s brace and a Frederic Guilbert strike.
“You want to get through to the next round but then you’ve got a young boy coming in and scores a hat-trick, always pleasing,” Villa assistant manager Shakespeare said.
“I took great pleasure in watching the youth team last season, great pleasure in some of the youth players training him with us this season and staking a claim.
“But it wasn’t an easy 6-0. We have to give Barrow a bit of credit.
“But (it was) pleasing for Cameron to get his hat-trick and obviously
Anwar got a couple of goals as well.
“We’ve got a strong squad and everyone knows that we’ve got some good young players and to help their development it’s important that they get chances like this.
“I thought that a lot of them took the opportunity really well tonight.”
Villa could have had more on a night when their young players impressed in a physical clash in front of 5,349 fans.
“That’s part of their development,” Shakespeare said. “It’s not just about the pretty, silky football.
“It’s about the winning mentality and the physical side of it and you saw that there’s a few hefty challenges and it’s about dusting yourself down and getting on with it, then having the courage to get on the ball again.”
Meanwhile, former Villa striker Frank McAvennie believes Smith has concluded his business for the summer transfer window.
Villa have spent up to £95 million this summer on five new additions, including Leon Bailey, Danny Ings, and Emiliano Buendia, while Ashley Young re-joined the club on a free transfer and Axel Tuanzebe will
spend the duration of the 2021/22 season on loan.
Of course, the £100 million British record transfer of Jack Grealish to Manchester City earlier this month means Villa have the funds to add more depth to their squad if they choose to do so.
Following a 3-2 opening day defeat at Watford, Smith’s defence came under scrutiny for lacklustre some performances.
However, Villa old boy McAvennie believes the club could have concluded their transfer business for the summer.
Villa kept a clean sheet in Saturday’s win over Newcastle United, and McAvennie said: “I don’t think they need any more defenders.
“Mings and Konsa did a very good job last season, the only thing that’s changed is Terry’s not there.
“They worked under him for so long so they know what they are doing. A new team takes time to gel, how many times have we seen it now?
“There is certainly no need to panic.
“In fact, I think they might be done [with their summer business] to be honest.
“It looks to me that they spent the Grealish money before actually selling him. Why is no-one is talking about this?
“I think the money has gone, it’s over.
“I’ve been wrong before, but I don’t expect any massive signings now.”