Sublime goals, tactical hints and more things learned from Aston Villa vs Molde

Aston Villa returned to action when they beat Norwegian side Molde in a friendly at Villa Park on Saturday.

The behind-closed-doors game with Molde saw Steven Gerrard 's side run out 3-1 winners thanks to goals from Jacob Ramsey, John McGinn and Ollie Watkins.

Villa raced into a three-goal lead and could have had another couple when chances fell to Ramsey and Matty Cash while Molde got a goal back through Kristoffer Haugen shortly after half-time.

January signings Robin Olsen and Calum Chambers started in goal and at centre-back respectively with the latter partnering Tyrone Mings with Villa boss Gerrard having a look at the former Arsenal man in defence.

Carney Chukwuemeka started in midfield alongside Douglas Luiz and McGinn with Watkins flanked by Ramsey and Buendia.

It was interesting to see Chukwuemeka get a start knowing that he is likely to be called upon following Villa's lack of an out-and-out midfield signing last month.

Chukwuemeka is back in the fold and has played the past couple of games but has not had a start since the Brentford clash back in August.

On highlights uploaded by the club you can see Chukwuemeka get forward in support of his team-mates and a precise tackle set the ball rolling on the move for Villa's second goal.

Chukwuemeka, who Gerrard wants to see sign a new contract with his existing deal expiring next summer, was high up the pitch for Villa's third goal.

He was taking defenders away from space but also lurking for a potential knock-down or deflection on the edge of the box but that never came with Watkins making no mistake with a deft header.

Ramsey 's goal was a class above with the boyhood Villan turning away from his marker before lashing a shot into the top corner of the