Aston Villa bounced back from their recent slump in style by thrashing Sheffield United 5-0 at Bramall Lane.
From minute one, the reaction from the players was visible as they hunted in packs to chase down the Sheffield United players while pressing them into errors.
The hosts were left stunned by the barrage of attacks that Unai Emery’s side were sending towards their goal as Aston Villa scored four brilliant in goals inside 30 minutes.
Remarkably, they all came from different scorers as John McGinn, Ollie Watkins, Leon Bailey and Youri Tielemans sent the visitors into cruise control.
Alex Moreno then even got his name on the scoresheet in the second to cap off what was a magnificent display from Emery’s troops.
Of course, there were several on the pitch who were showered with praise. Watkins deservedly received Man of the Match, Douglas Luiz was compared to Kevin De Bruyne with his assist while there was one player who was simply “too good”.
Leon Bailey hailed as “too good” in Aston Villa’s 5-0 win over Sheffield United
Leon Bailey’s magnificent turnaround under Emery is something that needs studying in a lab.
The Jamaican has gone from zero to hero in the space of a year and he’s currently having the season of his life.
In Villa’s defeat against Newcastle United in midweek, Bailey was left on the bench, however, he made the Spaniard rue that decision by coming on in the second half to assist Watkins for a consolation goal.
There was no way he could leave him out again and he deservedly started against the Blades tonight, and he repaid his manager by scoring a goal that was hailed as “sublime” by journalist John Townley.
He received the ball in the corner of the box, jinked inside his man and curled it beautifully into the top left corner.
It was a trademark Bailey goal that demonstrated his confidence at the moment and one of several moments he can add to his ever-growing highlight reel.
The 26-year-old has now posted an exceptional 10 goals and nine assists in all competitions, only Watkins boasts more in the Villa squad.
When he doesn’t start on the right, Villa don’t carry the same threat, but when he does, he’s capable of producing magic.
Emery will need him to deliver more match-winning displays if they are to qualify for the Champions League.
