Aston Villa took a huge step in their bid to secure a top-four finish on Saturday afternoon as Unai Emery’s side beat Nottingham Forest 4-2 at Villa Park, a match that saw Leon Bailey receive a host of praise.
Aston Villa are in the driving seat in the race for a Champions League finish as Unai Emery continues to conduct his side in the right direction.
The Villans built on their win against Fulham last week with a much-needed home victory over Nottingham Forest, the club’s first win at home in their previous three fixtures.
Now sitting five points clear of Spurs and eight points clear of Manchester United, European football looks to be guaranteed for next season, with the squad’s eyes firmly on securing a spot amongst Europe’s elite.
A 4th place finish is all it takes for Emery to power his side to the Champions League, with Saturday’s result swinging things firmly in the Midlands club’s favour.
How Aston Villa beat Nottingham Forest
After a string of poor results at home, it was imperative that Villa bounced back at Villa Park quickly, which they did as Ollie Watkins opened the scoring after just four minutes.
A brace from Douglas Luiz put the hosts in control however, Forest injected the nerves back to Villa Park as they scored two to inspire a comeback.
Luckily, Leon Bailey claimed Villa’s fourth to settle the tie in the 61st minute, on what was a good day for the Villans and particularly, Bailey.
What Robbie Mustoe said about Leon Bailey
Scoring his eighth goal of the Premier League season put the cherry on the cake for Bailey, who captured the eyes of many before he netted his goal.
The Jamaican was at his best against Forest, causing problems throughout the contest, taking just four minutes to unravel the visitor’s defence by setting up Watkins’ goal.
In reaction to the results of match week 26 in the Premier League, pundit Robbie Mustoe spoke highly of the Villa winger when speaking on The 2 Robbies podcast.
“Leon Bailey, a player that doesn’t always start, I love to watch him play. If I’m going there to Villa Park, I want to see Leon Bailey play.”
“I think he’s got pace, he’s got skill, he does things unexpected, he’s in there on goal, it’s a good story.”
With two goal contributions, the 26-year-old was the highest-rated Villa player on the pitch, as per Sofascore, communicating just how bright his performance was on the day, and throughout this season.
The £120k-a-week Jamaica international has really turned things around this term, which has not only earned him a place in the XI, but a new contract also which he signed earlier this month.
The form of the winger will be crucial to how Villa’s season pans out, with his sights firmly set on reaching the Champions League with the Midlands club.
