The Aston Villa duo that impressed Unai Emery in win over Leicester City
John Townley
3 – 4 minutes
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery is hopeful Leon Bailey will grow in confidence after scoring his first goal of the season against Leicester City this afternoon.
Villa took the lead through Ross Barkley just before the hour mark, but were pegged back shortly after as Stephy Mavididi scored at the far post following a strong save from Emi Martinez.
Bailey then popped up in the 78th minute to restore the lead for Villa finishing from close range after substitute Ian Maatsen made an instant impact by winning the ball back in the final third and rolling it across the box for his teammate.
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“We were speaking about it in the meeting we had for the match about trying to find the goal, not really wishing to be anxious,” Emery said about Bailey and his first goal of the campaign. “The first half, the only chance we had was something similar to his goal.
“Being calm, calm, choosing the best option in the final third and in the box. It is coming [first goal]. Today he scored and for him it is fantastic after a long time not scoring.
“The most important thing is for the team. Even if we are winning without him scoring, we are happy, but it makes it better because he can feel again confident.”
Speaking of Maatsen’s impact, Emery said: “He is always very positive and ready to play. He knows the confidence we have in him.
“When we needed something more in the attacking third, his capacity to make us faster, he always does it. His impact was fantastic and helped us score a goal because he was wishing it.”
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