Tommi O’Reilly gave Unai Emery another reminder of his ability as Aston Villa U21 suffered a dramatic 3-2 defeat against Wigan Athletic in the EFL Trophy.
Villa’s youngsters looked destined for a difficult evening after falling 2-0 behind before half-time at the Brick Community Stadium.
However, captain O’Reilly started a remarkable late fightback before Kane Taylor dragged Villa level.
Wigan ultimately struck again to deny them a point, but O’Reilly’s contribution provided another positive for Villa to take from their opening Northern Group B fixture.
Tommi O’Reilly scores for Aston Villa U21
Wigan opened the scoring through K’Marni Miller after 27 minutes before Josh Feeney’s own goal doubled the League One club’s advantage shortly before half-time.
Villa refused to fold.
Supporters were able to watch the EFL Trophy fixture live on Sky Sports+, with the second half eventually producing a frantic finish.
O’Reilly pulled one back in the 75th minute, finding the bottom corner from outside the penalty area after Rodrigo Fortes supplied the ball.
Just three minutes later, Villa were level.
Taylor converted from Ben Broggio’s delivery to complete the comeback and leave Wigan facing the prospect of surrendering a two-goal advantage.
It did not last.
Dara Costelloe restored Wigan’s lead in the 81st minute and Villa were unable to respond for a third time.
Sky Sports’ match centre confirmed the 3-2 final score.
The result leaves Villa without a point from their first EFL Trophy group match, but there were encouraging individual performances within a young side facing senior opposition.
O’Reilly’s display is particularly notable.
The midfielder captained Villa, played the full game and found the net as he continues attempting to push himself closer to Emery’s senior plans.
Villa ultimately left Wigan empty-handed, but their late response ensured the evening provided more than simply another academy defeat.
