Aston Villa 2-1 Leeds: Emery’s side hold on for vital win

Leon Bailey played a big part in two goals as Aston Villa held on to a 2-1 win against an unfortunate Leeds side.

After a quick counter-attack, the Jamaican international opened the scoring within three minutes — cutting in and curling the ball into the back of the net. 

Leeds were the side with the majority of possession and somehow didn’t level the game when they were thwarted by Emiliano Martinez just before half-time — he pulled off a superb reaction save to deny Jack Harrison from point blank range. 

With just over 25 minutes to play, Unai Emery’s side doubled their advantage thanks to VAR — Bailey’s powerful strike was saved but Emiliano Buendia’s header, which looped over Illan Meslier, was originally flagged for offside. 

However, the Argentinian was clearly onside and the goal was given. 

The Whites made Villa Park a cathedral of nerves when Wilfried Gnonto, a lively presence all night, wriggled past some attention to cut the ball back for Patrick Bamford who smashed home with ten minutes left to play.

However, Aston Villa held on to claim a vital three points and leave sorry Leeds without a Premier League win in five matches.