Harvey Elliott scores first goal of Aston Villa’s season on full debut

Harvey Elliott scored on his first start for Aston Villa, and by doing so ended their wait for a goal this season.

Elliott made his debut off the bench in a goalless draw at Everton over the weekend and was named in Unai Emery’s starting lineup for their Carabao Cup match at Brentford for his full debut.

Villa’s new No. 9 sat behind striker Donyell Malen and between Jadon Sancho and Evann Guessand, with John McGinn and Lamare Bogarde playing as the deepest midfielders.

On the other side were former Liverpool teammates Sepp van den Berg and Fabio Carvalho, with Caoimhin Kelleher (unused) and Jordan Henderson rested.

Heading into the cup match, Villa were the only team in England’s top seven leagues yet to find the net, but Elliott ended that wait just before half time.

McGinn set off the press from the centre circle, forcing the ball to fall nicely for Elliott between the goalkeeper and defender, with a first-time finish squirming between the goalkeeper’s legs.

It got Elliott off the mark, but it was not enough to help Villa to the next round as Aaron Hickey equalised in the second half before Brentford won 4-2 on penalties.

The 22-year-old was subbed off in the 67th minute and earned the joint-highest rating from FotMob of 7.8-out-of-10.

It was the most competitive minutes he has played since winning the U21 Euros with England in the summer.

Liverpool will play their first Carabao Cup fixture at Anfield against Southampton next Tuesday.

2/10 appearances to trigger obligation to buy

Elliott’s transfer to Villa Park this summer was on an initial loan deal, with an obligation to make it permanent for £35 million next year if the midfielder plays at least 10 games.

The structure of the deal is designed to help Villa navigate their PSR restrictions, and now Elliott is just eight appearances away from triggering his permanent Liverpool exit.

Emery has shown a willingness to utilise the 22-year-old, and it is only a matter of time before the clause is met, but that will not stop Elliott from supporting his boyhood club from afar.

“The love I have for Liverpool is still going to be there forever, that’s not going to change,” he told reporters.

“I’m still going to be watching and looking out for them from afar. I’m wishing them all the very best.

“But sometimes in football you need to be selfish. I made the decision to leave because I wanted to do what’s best for me.”

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