Aston Villa ended the 2023/24 season with a shock 5-0 defeat to Crystal Palace on a day that was far from disappointing for Unai Emery’s players, with a Premier League debut handed to one academy jewel.
It was a fixture that epitomised that Aston Villa’s goals of 2023/24 had been accomplished, as Crystal Palace beat Unai Emery’s side 5-0 on the final day of the Premier League season.
Villa had well and truly taken their foot off the gas as the Eagles carved through the Midlands club with ease, making the scoreline something to flatter the visitors, who were well below par on the day.
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While Palace fans taunted the Villans, who suffered heavy defeat after securing a place in next season’s Champions League, nothing could stop the party feeling surrounding Villa, with there still plenty to celebrate at Selhurst Park.
One cause for celebration in South London was Emery’s chance to hand some minutes in the top flight to several academy players, with Kaine Kesler-Hayden, Omari Kellyman and Finley Munroe earning game time.
What Declan Rice made of Aston Villa defender Finley Munroe’s debut vs Crystal Palace
It was an exciting day in particular for 19-year-old Finley Munroe, who made his Premier League debut at Selhurst Park, coming on in the 87th minute of play.
The defender was named on the bench three times in the league this campaign by Emery, as well as playing minutes in the Europa Conference League second-leg against Olympiacos.
Against Palace, the teenager finally secured his debut in the top flight, taking to Instagram to share his joy of securing his first minutes.
‘Dream come true to make my Premier League debut for this club. Thank you for the support.’
Among the supporters in the comments under Munroe’s post were Aston Villa teammates Matty Cash and fellow academy star, Kellyman, who offered their congratulations for the youngster, with Cash saying, ‘Congrats brother’.
As well as the Villa representatives was Arsenal star Declan Rice, who commented ‘The Start’, showing support for the Bodymoor Heath ace, who is his cousin.
The England midfielder has shown his backing for the 19-year-old before, commenting on his post after making his European debut for Villa to say, ‘So proud cuz! The first of many now.’
Finley Munroe will be dreaming of a breakthrough under Unai Emery
Signed from Chelsea’s academy back in 2021, Munroe has represented Villa’s academy sides playing as both a left-back and a central defender.
The teenager made two senior appearances for Villa this term, hinting at Emery’s admiration of the player, who will be dreaming of making a breakthrough at the Midlands club in the coming years.
By securing his Premier League debut against the Eagles, the primary steps have been taken to find a way into the first team in the future, with the early signs suggesting that the academy ace has an exciting time ahead at Villa.
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