Tammy Abraham scored twice as Aston Villa beat Coventry City 3-1 to reach the fourth round of the Carabao Cup.
The striker opened the scoring after seven minutes at the Coventry Building Society Arena. Victor Torp equalised in the 27th minute, before Ross Barkley restored Villa’s advantage five minutes before half-time.
Abraham added his second in the 59th minute, giving Unai Emery a winning return from a much-changed starting side.
For Abraham and Barkley, this was an opportunity to give their manager something to consider beyond Wednesday’s cup tie. Both finished the evening on the scoresheet.
Abraham makes his chance count
Emery’s starting line-up against Coventry included Abraham alongside Ibrahim Mbaye and George Hemmings, with Tyrone Mings partnering Taylor Harwood-Bellis in central defence.
Abraham needed just seven minutes to make his mark. His opener gave Villa an early advantage, although Coventry’s response ensured the visitors could not carry that lead through to the interval without further work.
Torp’s equaliser came from a free-kick. Barkley then headed Villa back in front, with Coventry conceding twice from corners during the match, as detailed in the Guardian’s match report.
That left Villa 2-1 ahead at the break. Abraham’s second, fourteen minutes into the second half, provided the two-goal cushion that remained intact until full-time.
Barkley adds to Emery’s selection options
Barkley’s contribution offered another positive after the discussion around his place in Emery’s midfield against Coventry.
His goal came at an important stage. Coventry had cancelled out Villa’s early lead, but Barkley ensured Emery’s side went into the dressing room ahead.
The distinction now is between taking a cup opportunity and securing a regular starting place. One result will not settle Emery’s selection decisions, but goals give Abraham and Barkley a clear contribution to build on.
Villa’s immediate reward is a place in the fourth round. For Abraham, a two-goal evening also strengthens his argument for further opportunities as Emery works through the club’s upcoming fixtures.
Coventry City: Torp 27
Aston Villa: Abraham 7, 59; Barkley 40
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