Paul Merson has lauded Leon Bailey as ‘unbelievable’ on Sky Sports News following a last-gasp, goal-saving challenge for Aston Villa against Brentford.
The game at Villa Park (6 April) started quickly for the away side who got in down the left through Sergio Reguilon after just two minutes.
Bailey showed an excellent work rate and ethic to get back into defence and pull off an excellent tackle on the Spaniard, and the Villans went on the take the lead before the break.
Speaking on Sky Sports News, the former Villa man Merson was full of praise for the Jamaican international and his challenge.
On that, he said: “They get the ball out on the left with Reguilon, he’s in but unbelievable defending by Bailey. Bailey chases back, he doesn’t fall asleep, he gets back sliding tackle.”
There was a question of a potential penalty with VAR taking a look at the challenge following the ball going out.
How has Leon Bailey started for Aston Villa v Brentford?
The Jamaican has had an excellent season for the Villans after a shaky few seasons since joining from Bayer Leverkusen in 2021.
In the Premier League this campaign he has accumulated eight goals and eight assists [FotMob] playing off the right flank under Unai Emery.
In the opening stages of the game against the Bees, Bailey has had a positive start. He completed a dribble which was the most in the match according to FotMob.
Despite there being some positive signs it has been a frustrating start for Emery’s side up against Thomas Frank’s low block of 3-5-2.
20 touches, six recoveries and two high claims [FotMob] for Mark Flekken in the Bees’ goal sums up the difficulty Villa have faced.
Moving further into the game there is hope that the away side will step up and gamble on grabbing a goal of their own.
This is where Bailey and Co. can take advantage.
In other Aston Villa news, an admission has been shared after a £900million Premier League development.
Leave a Reply