Photo via Sky Sports

Abraham double helps Villa cruise past Coventry into fourth round

Tammy Abraham netted a brace to guide Aston Villa to a 3-1 victory away against Coventry City, securing a spot in the Carabao Cup fourth round. Abraham struck early on a breakaway for Unai Emery's squad to record only their second domestic strike of the campaign, though Victor Torp soon leveled matters with an exceptional free-kick finding the top-right corner.

Shortly prior to halftime, Ross Barkley nudged Villa back in front by converting a corner delivered by Ibrahim Mbaye, the 18-year-old winger who caught the eye during his maiden start following a £47m transfer from Paris Saint-Germain. Abraham, who chose to remain at the club despite transfer interest ahead of the deadline, later tapped in a straightforward finish from close distance to seal the win.

The encounter represented the first clash between the clubs since 2001, when a 3-2 Villa triumph consigned the Sky Blues to relegation from the top tier. The defeat deepens a sluggish opening stretch for Frank Lampard's team, who possess only a single victory across their initial five outings.

Coventry must now turn their focus to an upcoming Saturday Night Football meeting against Nottingham Forest, where they will attempt to register their first Premier League goal since earning promotion back to the division.