West Midlands Football Review: Nightmare start for Villa, statement win for Coventry

Last weekend saw the return of the Premier League and all nine West Midlands clubs in action for the first time this season.

Both Aston Villa and Wolves were able to get their seasons underway, though neither side got the start they were hoping for.

There was also a full complement of EFL fixtures in what was the strongest showing for the region so far this season with five of the seven clubs picking up wins.

In the Premier League, Aston Villa’s season got off to a nightmare start with a humiliating defeat to Newcastle United. Sandro Tonali’s early goal was quickly cancelled out by Moussa Diaby, but goals from Callum Wilson, Harvey Barnes and a brace from Alexander Isak sealed a thrashing for Villa. The game was also marred by a serious knee injury for Tyrone Mings.

Wolves also got their Premier League campaign underway under new boss Gary O’Neil with a spirited defeat to Manchester United. Raphael Varane’s second-half goal secured a win for The Red Devils, but Wolves were impressive throughout and were denied a late stonewall penalty by VAR.

In the Championship, Birmingham City continued their impressive start to the new season with a win over Leeds United. Lukas Jutkiewicz’s stoppage-time penalty secured a big win for Blues over a depleted Leeds side.

Coventry City also sent a statement of intent with an impressive win over Middlesbrough. Matt Godden gave The Sky Blues an early lead before record signing Haji Wright opened his Coventry account in the second half. A Darragh Lenihan own goal late in the game sealed the win for Mark Robins’ side.

West Brom also grabbed their first league win of the season by beating Swansea at home, though they nearly blew their lead. Semi Ajayi gave Albion the lead before an own goal from Carl Rushworth and a John Swift penalty gave them a comfortable advantage. However, Harry Darling and Nathan Wood bagged for The Swans late on to make Carlos Corberan’s side sweat.

The only West Midlands side in the division to fail to win was Stoke City, who slipped to a loss against newly-promoted Ipswich Town. Goals from Luke Woolfenden and Kayden Jackson were enough to give Ipswich the win as they made it two wins from two.

In League One, Port Vale grabbed a huge win over Reading to bounce back from their defeat to Barnsley on Gameweek 1. Ben Garrity bagged the only goal of the game in the second half to secure a big three points for Vale.

Matt Taylor’s Shrewsbury Town failed two make it back-to-back wins as they were soundly beaten by newly-promoted Stevenage. Second-half goals from Aaron Pressley and Jamie Reid condemned Salop to defeat.

Finally, Walsall secured a surprise win over promotion favourites Stockport to give The Saddlers their first win of the season. Goals from Danny Johnson and Aramide Oteh secured the win for Mat Sadler’s men despite a late consolation goal from Ryan Rydel.

There is also a complement of midweek fixtures in League One and Two. Shrewsbury host Burton while Port Vale head to Blackpool and Walsall make the trip to Wales to face Wrexham.