Graham Pearcey

Date: 7 February 2026

Disappointing though it was not to get the full three points from this game, 1-1 against the team that currently sits in third place in the league is still a good result – and probably a fair reflection of the full ninety minutes.

On a cold and breezy afternoon, the starting line-up was exactly what I’d predicted: Rayan replacing Smith, with Jimenez reverting to the right full back position.

We had a number of shots in the first half – but so did Villa. I was also impressed by the way Truffert and Adli have formed a partnership on the left wing, the latter probably being my ‘man of the match’. I had mixed feelings when – shortly after a previous Villa ‘goal’ had been disallowed by VAR – Morgan Rogers scored on 22 minutes, because he’s in my fantasy league team!

Eleven minutes later new boy Rayan’s header – following a Bournemouth corner – hit the crossbar. That was almost a magical moment for the 19 year old on his first start for the club. Half-time: 1-0 to Villa.

But Rayan’s moment did indeed come: in the 55th minute. A brilliant ‘individual’ goal saw him tearing down the right flank, running at a multitude of Villa defenders and beating them all, then slamming the ball into the nearest side of the net. 1-1.

Both teams pushed hard for the winning goal right till the end, Christie probably having the best scoring chance, but 1-1 it remained. This will have been another good game for neutrals. Once again, both goals were scored at the opposite end of the pitch from me, but I can always enjoy Rayan’s goal many more times on video!

The team lined up as follows at the start of the game:

Petrovic;
Jimenez, Hill, Senesi, Truffert;
Cook, Scott;
Rayan, Kroupi, Adli;
Evanilson

By the end the line-up was:

Petrovic;
Smith, Hill, Senesi, Truffert;
Cook, Scott;
Brooks, Christie, Adli;
Unal

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