‘Never wear the shirt again’ – Aston Villa fans explode after what Leon Bailey did vs Leeds
Aston Villa supporters are ready for Leon Bailey to be sold following his dismal display against Leeds United on Saturday.
The 28-year-old made a surprise return to Villa Park as he continued to struggle on loan at AS Roma, and since then, Unai Emery has trusted him with solid minutes in the Premier League.
Bailey has yet to repay him with any goal contributions, though, and with 61 minutes against the Whites this time out, it might have been his worst performance since coming back from Italy.
Even the commentators were angry with the Jamaican international, watching him walk back to his own half after losing possession, being beaten to the defensive work by Ollie Watkins.
Just moments later, he had been replaced by Jadon Sancho, a substitution which changed the game for the better against Leeds, as Tammy Abraham found a much-needed equaliser in the 89th minute.
Leon Bailey must be finished at Aston Villa, there’s no way back
Being told that he must “never wear the shirt again” after the draw with Leeds, Bailey does not appear to have a way back in terms of earning the supporters’ love and respect.
Another supporter labelled him as “League One level,” and given his laziness off the ball, it is very difficult to disagree with. There could be outrage if he starts another game this season.
Many expected him to be shipped straight back out during the winter transfer window, but for some reason, he continues to take up a space in the Villa squad across the competitions.
- @AVFCBanksie: “What today tells us is that Buendia and Bailey should be nowhere near the starting XI. Two players that have passed their sell-by date by 3 seasons.”
- @VilladanishDK: “Bailey is a must-sell in the summer.”
- @Stokesey84: “Leon Bailey is just a bad footballer. He has poor technique, no strength, no height and no heart. Emery bringing him back and playing him is poor management.”
Fans have every right to fume at Bailey as his full stats emerge from Villa Park
Bailey’s last goal contribution for Villa came in the Champions League last season, assisting a goal in their 3-0 win over Club Brugge, while he also grabbed two assists for Roma.
However, he never showed any signs of doing the same this weekend, lasting just 61 minutes before being replaced, and really, it should have been much sooner from Emery.
In his time on the pitch, the winger created one chance, had one shot on target, completed 33 per cent of his dribbles, was dispossessed three times and only won 18 per cent of his ground duels [FotMob].
That’s not all. He only accurately delivered 40 per cent of his crosses, was caught offside once, and completed just 75 per cent of his attempted passes.
There is very little that the manager can use to justify starting him in the next game, especially given how much of a difference Sancho made.
To read more expert analysis on Leon Bailey and his future at Aston Villa, head to Villa News for all the latest