**Aston Villa Lose To Brugge: Mings' Bizarre Penalty**

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Post on Nov 07, 2024

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Aston Villa Lose to Brugge: Mings' Bizarre Penalty Seals Defeat

Aston Villa's pre-season campaign took a hit on Wednesday as they suffered a 1-0 defeat to Club Brugge in a friendly match. The game was largely uneventful until a bizarre penalty decision in the 75th minute proved to be the difference between the two sides.

Mings' Unfortunate Penalty

The controversial moment came when Tyrone Mings, attempting to clear a ball, accidentally kicked the ball into the back of his own hand, sending it into the path of a Brugge attacker. Referee Kevin Van Damme, after consulting VAR, pointed to the spot, ruling that Mings' hand was in an "unnatural position" and therefore constituted a handball.

It was a harsh decision, with many questioning whether the contact was intentional or even avoidable. Mings himself looked bewildered, but ultimately, the decision stood.

Brugge Capitalize on the Opportunity

Brugge, who had been struggling to create clear-cut chances, took full advantage of the opportunity. Captain Hans Vanaken stepped up to confidently convert the penalty, sending Emiliano Martinez the wrong way. The goal proved to be the winner, despite Villa attempting to rally in the closing stages.

Pre-Season Blues Continue for Villa

The defeat extends Villa's winless run in pre-season, with the team having now lost two of their four friendlies. While pre-season results are often disregarded, the performance against Brugge raises concerns about Villa's defensive solidity and the team's overall readiness for the upcoming Premier League season.

The team will be hoping to find their rhythm before their opening league game against Newcastle on August 12th.

Key Takeaways:

• Aston Villa lost 1-0 to Club Brugge in a pre-season friendly.
• A controversial penalty decision against Tyrone Mings proved to be the decisive moment in the match.
• The defeat extends Villa's winless run in pre-season.
• Manager Unai Emery will be looking for improvements in defense and overall team cohesion before the start of the Premier League season.

This defeat serves as a reminder that Villa still have work to do to reach their full potential. While the pre-season is all about building fitness and trying out different formations, the performance against Brugge suggests that some defensive issues need to be addressed. However, with a few more weeks to go until the start of the league, there is still time for Villa to find their form and be ready to challenge for a top-half finish.