Aston Villa incident 'clumsy' v West Ham United as debate emerges after 1-1 draw - BBC pundit

We’re delighted to welcome former Aston Villa full-back Alan Hutton as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Villa Park…

Alan Hutton has called on Leon Bailey to show more consistency at Aston Villa after a disappointing performance in the 1-1 draw at West Ham on Sunday (12 March).

Bailey, 25, was back in Emery's starting line-up to replace the injured Boubacar Kamara but all he really contributed before his 64th-minute substitution was conceding a penalty.

Said Benrahma equalised for the Hammers in the 26th minute after Bailey pulled down Lucas Paqueta inside the penalty area.

Hutton believes it was a penalty, despite suggestions it was a soft decision by referee Chris Kavanagh and suggests Bailey should really have been a bit more careful in the box.

"He's definitely got the ability but it's all about consistency," Hutton told Villa News.

"He's got it in him to make things happen - he's that kind of player. But you just want to see it on a regular basis.

"It's very structured under the new manager with the wingers tucked in. Everyone's got a job to do.

"Emery needs to stick to the plan but there's no doubt in Bailey's ability.

"He gave away a clumsy penalty at the weekend but overall, his play is of a high level."

Bailey has played 28 times in all competitions for Aston Villa this season.

The former Bayer Leverkusen attacker has scored five goals and supplied two assists in those games but in the Premier League, he's had just one direct contribution to a goal in the last 12.

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