Walcott slams ‘Guilty’ Leon Bailey in Aston Villa v Bournemouth as MOTD footage emerges
Leon Bailey was lucky not to give a penalty away for Aston Villa after footage of a potential handball emerged after the Bournemouth draw.
The Villans suffered a late blow at Villa Park on Saturday 26 October, conceding an equaliser with the last kick of the game.
Despite going 1-0 up through Ross Barkley, things could have been different for Unai Emery’s side after what Walcott spotted on Match of the Day (26 October).
He said: “This one for me, Bailey, this distance that the ball has travelled, his arm is in a so-called natural position apparently.
“For me, it’s not above his shoulder and I think he’s got away with it, very lucky there. I think he looks a bit of a guilty partner there when he’s stumbling over.”
Leon Bailey gets lucky against Bournemouth
It is safe to say that the Jamaica international got away with one as the ball dropped over his shoulder and bounced off his arm inside the box.
The winger went up for a header unchallenged but made a mess of it and somehow managed not to get his head on it as the ball fell out of the air.
This saw the ball land flush on his arm which left Bournemouth’s David Brooks to see the ball out for a corner while complaining heavily to the referee.
On another day Chris Kavanagh may have given the spot kick on field which would have given VAR a decision to make.
The away side have every right to complain about the decision which ultimately could have changed the game.
Leon Bailey has telling impact for Aston Villa v Bournemouth
Despite this controversial moment, the 27-year-old did have a positive impact off the bench which saw him grab an assist after a poor showing last time out against Bologna.
He did only register four touches of the ball against the Cherries but that’s all he needed to help the Villans take the lead [FotMob].
Bailey only managed two attempted passes and had a 50 per cent accuracy which won’t exactly please Emery given his high standards.
The winger did contribute with one defensive action despite losing two duels and committing a foul which put his side under pressure.
The Jamaican has had a slow start to the season which arguably continued at Villa Park but there is every chance he can bounce back.
Over the last year, he has registered an average of 0.35 expected assisted goals which he continued against Bournemouth but after failing to win a duel, his average of 0.54 won per 90 has been let down ultimately [Fbref].
In the end, Bailey just has to be happy that he never gave away a penalty which would have handed the away side all three points.
In other Aston Villa news, Mike Dean has reacted to the Villa Park goal controversy in the clash against Bournemouth.
For more Aston Villa news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.