Aston Villa stepped up their pre-season preparations against Bristol City as they triumphed 3-0 at Ashton Gate.
The Villans continued to increase their fitness levels ahead of the start of the 2021/22 Premier League season in two weeks.
Teenager Jaden Philogene-Bidace put Villa into the lead with a smart finish after just six minutes, before Ezri Konsa doubled the advantage against their Championship opponents just before the interval.
Ollie Watkins then headed home a third on the hour mark for Dean Smith’s side in front of the travelling Villa faithful in the south-west.
The Villans will complete their pre-season schedule next Saturday against La Liga side Sevilla at Villa Park. For full ticket details and to secure your seat, click here.
Former Villa forward Andreas Weimann fired off target early on before Watkins tested City goalkeeper Dan Bentley.
And it was Villa, donning the club's new away kit for the first time, who opened the scoring in the sixth minute as Watkins’ cross found Philogene-Bidace and he converted from six yards out.
Ashley Young struck the crossbar with a 20-yard free-kick in the 18th minute while Jed Steer saved from Kasey Palmer at the other end.
Villa duly doubled their lead just before the break as Bentley spilled captain John McGinn’s free-kick and Konsa was on hand to take advantage and convert from close range.
The hosts started the second half brightly and Steer saved well from substitute Alex Scott before Weimann sent an effort wide.
Andy King fired into the side-netting in the 54th minute as the Robins continued to pose more of a threat after the break.
Yet it was Villa who added a third on the hour mark as Watkins dived to head home Anwar El Ghazi’s left-wing cross.
Substitutes Brad Young and Hayden Lindley were introduced with 10 minutes remaining to get valuable game time as Villa ran out winners.
Villa: Steer, Cash, Konsa, Hause, A Young, A Ramsey, McGinn (Lindley 80), Philogene-Bidace, Nakamba, El Ghazi, Watkins (B Young 80).
Subs: Marschall.
Aston Villa 2021/22 away kit
