Aston Villa: Unai Emery must Leon Bailey centre stage v Luton after 100% masterclass
Unai Emery must hand Leon Bailey the centre stage in his starting XI as Aston Villa travel to Kenilworth Road to face Luton Town in the Premier League on 2 March.
After Bailey picked up a goal and an assist in the 4-2 win against Nottingham Forest, Emery should be left with no choice but to start him against Luton.
His performance against Forest drew high praise from the likes of Chris Sutton, who labelled him “brilliant”, and Ian Wright, who gushed over the “sick” winger.
BBC commentator Mark Scott noticed the winger’s influence on Match of the Day [24 February], stating: “It’s a flying start for Unai Emery’s side thanks to some electric wing work from Leon Bailey.”
Leon Bailey has been flying at Aston Villa this season
That goal and assist against Forest took Bailey’s tally to eight goals and seven assists in the Premier League, surpassing his total goal contributions from the last two seasons combined which add up to five goals and six assists.
On top of his contributions in the final third which sealed Villa’s victory, the winger also recorded a 100 per cent crossing accuracy, four dribbles, two shots on target and one shot which was blocked, constantly looking to make things happen going forward. [Sofascore]
Defensively, he also proved his worth, picking up two clearances which will be particularly noticed by Emery who likes his wingers to contribute to the overall effort of the team, as well as competing in seven ground duels.
Bailey only touched the ball 43 times in 89 minutes against Forest, with only 13 passes completed at a success rate of 65 per cent, but his contributions were telling as he made the difference yet again.
As a result of this display, it would come as no surprise to see Bailey as the difference-maker against Luton, with his dynamism and “electric” play out wide often setting him apart from the opponents.
In other Aston Villa news, the club are “certain” to sell one player this summer.
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