We should never get too excited about pre-season nor too worried. Last season’s results were very discouraging, yet we won four of our first five Premier League games. Still, given that we got better each game in the pre-season and won the key contests “in-style” (against Roma and Villa Real) augurs well for our chances this season.
The first two games (losses to Walsall 1-0 and Hansa Rostock 3-1) were basically dedicated to give our youngsters a run at showing their ability and match practice for our new backup goalie, Marco Bizot.
The games in the US against Eintracht Frankfurt (2-2), St. Louis (2-1), and Nashville (2-2), sharpened the squad and showed that Watkins and Rogers are ready to lead in the goal-scoring department.
Then, back to Europe for our Villans to compete with Roma (4-0), Marseille (1-3), and Villa Real (2-0). That our second best lost to Marseille, is no disgrace as we got back to our defensive dominance with two shut outs.
Even better is that every Villan looked fit and confident, Malen and Buendia excelled at creating chances and, also, scoring, while those likely to be on the substitute bench all look competent to come into games and make a difference.