Leon Bailey decision vindicated after what happened in Chelsea v Aston Villa
Unai Emery had every right to rotate his starting XI as Aston Villa shaped up to face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
The Spaniard made two changes from the side that played out a 0-0 draw with Juventus in the Champions League on Wednesday 27 November.
Ezri Konsa came in to replace Diego Carlos while Leon Bailey was dropped to the bench to make way for Jaden Philogene, a decision that may have raised a few eyebrows against Enzo Maresca’s high-flyers.
While the Jamaican international notched 10 goals and nine assists in the Premier League last season, and has proven his talent multiple times, Emery will feel his gut feeling has been proven right.
He was a second-half substitute as Villa lost for the fifth time in seven matches across all competitions, being punished by Nicolas Jackson, Enzo Fernandez and Cole Palmer in a 3-0 rout.
Leon Bailey fails to make impact as Aston Villa lose 3-0 to Chelsea
At 2-0 down and the best part of half an hour to get back into the game, Bailey was trusted alongside Ross Barkley and Jhon Duran to make a difference at Stamford Bridge.
However, he was far from the difference-maker and might as well have been invisible, taking five touches during his entire time on the pitch [FotMob], 21 touches fewer than substitute goalkeeper Robin Olsen [FotMob].
He also attempted just four passes, completing 50 per cent of them, completing zero per cent of his dribbles and zero per cent of his long balls and was also dribbled past once.
To put the cherry on the cake, he also won zero per cent of his ground duels. Emery will, obviously, be devastated by another defeat and Bailey was just another frustrating element of the match.
With a Premier League clash with Brentford up next, Emery will be expecting a massive reaction from his players, especially from those who have underperformed in recent weeks.
In other Aston Villa news, the club are set to make a Louie Barry decision ahead of the January transfer window amid a new contract update.
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