• Coventry City: Victor Torp 27'
• Aston Villa: Tammy Abraham 7', Ross Barkley 40', Tammy Abraham 59'
Villa made the perfect start when Tammy Abraham opened the scoring after just seven minutes, finishing after George Hemmings had created the opportunity. The goal marked Abraham’s first for Villa since returning to the club and gave Unai Emery’s side an early advantage.
Coventry responded in the 27th minute when Victor Torp produced an excellent free-kick to bring Frank Lampard’s side level. It was Coventry’s first goal outside the competition after a difficult opening to their Premier League campaign.
The visitors restored their lead five minutes before half-time. Ross Barkley headed Aston Villa back in front in the 40th minute, ensuring Emery’s team went into the interval with a 2-1 advantage.
Villa then extended their advantage in the 59th minute. Abraham struck again from close range to complete his brace and put Aston Villa firmly in control of the tie.
The second goal completed an important individual contribution for Abraham, who had returned to Aston Villa in January 2026 after previously spending the 2018/19 season on loan at the club. His two goals also helped Villa put their recent league struggles behind them for the evening.
Aston Villa managed the remainder of the contest effectively to book their place in the next round. The victory also provided Emery with a positive result ahead of Villa’s return to Premier League action.
Villa will now face Bournemouth in the Carabao Cup fourth round, while their next Premier League fixture is against Tottenham Hotspur.