Credit: Imago

Leon Bailey lets Unai Emery down in shocker despite Aston Villa win v Bologna

Wed 23 October 2024 9:10, UK

Leon Bailey will be frustrated with his individual output against Bologna on Tuesday 23 October as he was unable to make a solid contribution to a 2-0 Aston Villa win.

Unai Emery’s side are flying in the Champions League having overcome their Serie A visitors, John McGinn and Jhon Duran netting after the break.

Bailey started on the right flank at Villa Park but was replaced as part of a triple change midway through the second half, with some players showing some suspect moments as they ground out the win.

Aston Villa boss Unai Emery will demand more from Leon Bailey

In fairness to Bailey, a key factor which resembles part of his game is his high-risk desire to get his team up the pitch, looking to carry the ball and get supporters off their seats – much in the way Morgan Rogers, for instance, has done so well this season.

Unfortunately for the Jamaican international, little he attempted came off and he just could not get going, managing just one attempted dribble which was thwarted by the Bologna defence and completing just 10 passes all night – 59% of those he attempted finding a teammate [Sofascore].

Leon Bailey only executed 10 passes and not a single dribble [Sofascore]

Bailey struggled out of possession too, of which Villa spent 47% of the contest, with Fotmob data showing he won just 14% of his seven ground duels, and lost his sole aerial duel.

While he did not face a single tackle on Tuesday evening in a more technical battle – always likeliest between an Emery side and a Serie A outfit – Bailey did make two defensive recoveries and put a shift in down the channel.