Scoring an early goal in Aston Villa’s 2-1 English Premier League victory over Leeds United at Villa Park on Friday night will be “amazing” for Reggae Boy Leon Bailey’s confidence, according to head coach Unai Emery.
The 25-year-old Bailey put Villa ahead on three minutes with a left-footed screamer having missed a sitter late on in Villa’s last league match which ended in a 1-1 draw against Wolverhampton Wanderers and having to be consoled by teammates afterwards.
“I am so happy for the victory and our performance. Bailey didn’t score two very good chances against Wolves and today he scored, and he has done the action for the second goal. It will be amazing for his confidence,” said Emery.
“The spirit of the team today with the support was very good.”
Said Bailey, who has netted five goals for 11th-placed Villa this term, including four in the league: “For us tonight (Friday) was really important. We enjoyed the game and showed a really good team spirit. “It was great to have the fans on their feet again. It is nice to get a win again at Villa Park. It was definitely the perfect start; we couldn’t have asked for anything better.
“It was brilliant from the first moment and it was great to see the team there for each other from the first moment to the last.”
He continued: “It was definitely a relief to see the ball go in. It was definitely coming. I’ve had some moments where the ball wouldn’t go in, but I’m glad to take that opportunity today. “It was very important for us to get the three points; we needed the fans to get that winning feeling. I hope we can keep consistent now.”
Team-mate Ashley Young also praised winger Bailey.
“We knew it was going to be tough. We know what comes in games against Leeds, they are always a bit feisty. We were up for that tonight,” said the veteran. “Leon has been brilliant and when you work hard like he does you get your rewards.”
-CMC
