Photo via Sky Sports

Abraham double helps Villa cruise past Coventry into fourth round

Tammy Abraham struck twice to propel Aston Villa to a 3-1 victory over Coventry City, sealing their progression to the Carabao Cup fourth round where they will clash with Bournemouth during the week of October 26. Abraham opened the scoring early following a pass from Hemmings, though Victor Torp soon leveled for the hosts with an exceptional direct free-kick.

Just prior to half-time, Ross Barkley nodded in a corner delivered by 18-year-old Ibrahim Mbaye, who was making his first start since arriving from Paris Saint-Germain for £47m. Abraham later secured the triumph by tapping home from close range.

This encounter was the first between the clubs since a 2001 clash ended in a 3-2 Villa triumph that sent Coventry out of the top division. Defeat adds to a difficult period for Frank Lampard's squad, who have claimed only a single win in five outings this season and remain without a top-tier goal ahead of their Saturday Night Football fixture against Nottingham Forest.