Aston Villa made it back-to-back Premier League wins with a 4-2 victory over Nottingham Forest.
Goals from Ollie Watkins, Leon Bailey and a Douglas Luiz brace saw the Villans end their three-game losing streak at Villa Park.
It was an electric performance from Unai Emery’s side, who had far too much for the visitors, particularly in the first half.
BBC Sport journalist Garth Crooks has picked out Bailey’s performance in his team of the week column.
Garth Crooks blown away by Leon Bailey against Nottingham Forest
Bailey is keeping Moussa Diaby out of the starting XI and set up Watkins’ first goal with a brilliant wing play.
Something Crooks acknowledged.
“It’s difficult to ignore Ollie Watkins when he’s scoring goals and I think Moussa Diaby is a really good player, especially when he’s on form,” he said.
“However, Leon Bailey is keeping Diaby out of the starting line-up and grabbing the spotlight – and has been for a while.
“He traumatised Nottingham Forest in a 45-minute outburst of scintillating football. He put Watkins’ goal on a plate, was instrumental in Villa’s second goal, scored by Douglas Luiz, and scored his team’s fourth goal himself.
“This was a sparkling performance by the Jamaica international, who has clearly worked hard on his game to obtain the kind of consistency that has forced Unai Emery to play him.
“Now that’s how you force your way into a successful team.”
Bailey is now in the form of his Aston Villa career and deserves immense credit for turning his fortunes around.
The arrival of Diaby during the summer window could have seen the 26-year-old’s first team minutes impacted.
It’s been the complete opposite, and now the winger is probably one of the first names on Emery’s teamsheet.
As for Diaby, the Frenchman only needs to look at Bailey’s turnaround as motivation to force his way back into Villa’s plans.
The 24-year-old has four goals and assists and could easily replicate Bailey’s form over the coming years.
With the Conference League knockout stages underway, opportunities will emerge over the coming months.
