Emery will have an eye on Mason Cotcher after Aston Villa moment v Bristol City
Unai Emery must have one eye on Mason Cotcher after he scored a hat-trick for Aston Villa under-18s against Bristol City on Tuesday.
The Young Lions are through to the quarter-finals of this year’s edition of the FA Youth Cup after coming back from behind on 4 February.
The Robins took the lead on 18 minutes before doubling their advantage just five minutes into the second half.
It is safe to say the Villans had the better of the play as the second 45 went on, securing a famous comeback at Bodymoor Heath as Cotcher played a key role which certainly caught the eye.
Mason Cotcher shines for Aston Villa v Bristol City
It’s not often that a side will come back from two down to secure a win but that’s exactly what James Shan’s youngsters did.
It has to be said that the Villans owe a lot to the work of their number nine who showed multiple facets to his game which will impress Emery and Co. in B6.
His first strike of the evening showed his ability to receive the ball in a fashion to then get a shot off instantly.
The ball was fed into his path and the England Under-17 international allowed it to run across his body before driving a low shot into the far corner in devastating fashion.
If his opening effort showed his ability to finish with his first touch, Cotcher was able to showcase his close control and ability to beat a man in close quarters with his second.
The ex-Manchester United academy ace jinked onto his left foot and was able to blast past onrushing defenders and the keeper to grab a brace on the night.
His hattrick clinching goal was arguably the most simple but given the pressure on the moment, proved his coolness in front of goal once again.
The forward ghosted in at the back post to put a finishing touch on an excellent cross to seal a comeback and prove how much of a secret weapon he could be at Villa Park for years to come.
With a quarter-final clash coming up, it will be interesting to see if Cotcher can maintain this level for the Under-18s and potentially the Under-21s moving forward.
In other Aston Villa news, Milan Skriniar has sent a message after a late deadline day agreement was confirmed.
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