Aston Villa advanced to the fourth round of the Carabao Cup with a 3-1 win over Coventry City, thanks to two goals from Tammy Abraham and one from Ross Barkley. The match marked the first competitive encounter between the two teams since May 2001, when Coventry’s 34-year presence in the top flight ended with a loss at Villa Park. Coventry, managed by former England captain Frank Lampard, continued their poor form, losing their fifth match in six across all competitions this season. Lampard’s team has struggled offensively, scoring just once this season—Victor Torp’s free-kick that canceled out Abraham’s first goal of the campaign. This was also Coventry’s first goal since Torp scored against Plymouth in the previous round. Meanwhile, Aston Villa made several changes to their lineup, including starting debutants Ibrahim Mbaye, a £47 million signing from Paris Saint-Germain, and Matteo Ruggeri, a £17 million purchase from Atlético Madrid. Taylor Harwood-Bellis, who joined from Southampton for £25 million, also made his full debut. Coventry, on the other hand, made nine changes from their last match but lost Aurèle Amenda to injury early on, leaving only Bobby Thomas from the previous starting XI. Villa took the lead when George Hemmings delivered a precise pass to Abraham, who scored with ease. Coventry responded quickly with Torp’s free-kick, a rare moment of success for the visitors. However, Villa regained control with Barkley scoring from a corner. Abraham then added a second goal, capitalizing on a defensive mistake by 18-year-old Coventry loanee Stephen Mfuni. In the second half, Villa continued to press, bringing on Emi Buendía, Johan Manzambi, and Nicolas Jackson. Coventry’s owner, Doug King, was seen looking thoughtful in the directors’ box, while Lampard stayed in the dugout. The victory was a welcome boost for Aston Villa, who had gone winless in the Premier League so far this season.