Rashford Shines as Aston Villa Cruises Past Preston to Reach FA Cup Semifinals

Aston Villa secured their spot in the FA Cup semi-finals with a commanding 3-0 win over a spirited Preston North End, whose impressive 15-match unbeaten streak at home in all competitions (W6, D9) was brought to an abrupt end at Deepdale.

Recent years have not been kind to Villa in England’s most prestigious cup, marking their first appearance in the quarter-finals since the 2014/15 season, when they faced Arsenal in the final.

This match held significant importance for Preston, as their last venture into the FA Cup quarter-finals was almost six decades ago.

Villa had the first clear opportunity of the match when Ezri Konsa misjudged his leap attempting to meet Marco Asensio’s inviting left-footed cross.

Unai Emery’s team then attempted a couple of unthreatening set-pieces from Lucas Digne, both of which drifted safely over the bar or wide, prompting Preston to look for their chance.

Emiliano Martínez initially parried Robbie Brady’s left-footed cross into Mads Frøkjær-Jensen’s path, but the latter’s header was agonisingly sent over from close range.

The first half was rather lacklustre from Villa’s viewpoint, exemplified when Konsa positioned himself awkwardly and sent a header over from Rashford’s corner.

After the break, Rashford was in the thick of the action, benefiting from a rapid counter-attack instigated by Morgan Rogers’ persistence. He found himself in a one-on-one situation with the towering Preston goalkeeper David Cornell, but failed to convert.

However, Rashford broke the deadlock for Emery’s side in the 58th minute, scoring with a precise first-time effort with his right foot from Digne’s delivery.

The pressure swiftly lifted, and just five minutes later, Rashford found the net again, this time from the penalty spot.

Andrew Hughes was adjudged to have stepped on Rogers’ foot inside the box, allowing Villa’s number nine to confidently convert the penalty, sending Cornell the wrong direction.

Rashford sought to complement his two goals with an assist, slipping a perfectly timed through ball to Rogers, but Cornell was once again on hand to deny him.

Shortly after, Villa added a third goal courtesy of Jacob Ramsey, who displayed excellent skill to slot a brilliant finish into the bottom corner.

The final scoreline may seem unjust to Paul Heckingbottom’s side, who can take plenty of confidence from their first-half performance.

This defeat continues Preston’s poor history against top-tier teams in the FA Cup, marking their 19th loss in 20 encounters with clubs from England’s highest division.

On the other hand, Villa can now aim to break a 19-year drought for a major trophy, having not conceded a goal in their last five matches across all competitions.