There’s two ways of looking at this game for Aston Villa’s younger players, but it’s probably best to remain positive.
Of course they could take the pummelling of a lifetime and they could be emotionally scarred for life, but it could also be a chance to play on the biggest stage that many won’t experience again.
You did fear the worst for them after Liverpool named a strong starting XI for the game, and that feeling has become worse after Sadio Mane scored in the opening minutes:
Sadio heads home ?#EmiratesFACup @LFC pic.twitter.com/JDwMNMfpHu
— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) January 8, 2021
Mane didn’t celebrate after netting Liverpool’s first goal out of respect for Aston Villa kids.. What a SPORTMANSHIP! #AVLLIV #FACup pic.twitter.com/3nNGGg57TW
— Atanas (@_Atanasi) January 8, 2021
Pictures from the FA Cup