Leon Bailey (out on loan to AS Roma)

[Dogtanian]

He got that key pass for the winner. I think on the highlights, when he hit the bar it was slightly deflected off the top of the defender’s foot?

Created a big chance for Ramsey…

More of this next season!

[dekko]

He got that key pass for the winner. I think on the highlights, when he hit the bar it was slightly deflected off the top of the defender’s foot?

Created a big chance for Ramsey…

More of this next season!

Yeah it was deflected.

I think Bailey generally plays pretty well at VP- he's put in some real stinkers for us but more often than not they come in Away games.  Which is a shame because a player of his style that you can use to stretch defences you'd expect to a be an asset in those situations....

[OCD]

Big deflection.

[Beard82]

I thought he was excellent first half - and his pass for the second goal was beautiful.

I think he'll be around next season, and would benefit from having others that can play his position.

[paul_e]

I think we were, in general, a better team when he played than when he didn't all season. He makes a lot of mistakes which makes it easy for people to think he's shit but his movement and willingness to hold the ball is important for us. Whether he plays a lot or not I think a player like him is essential in this setup and when we take him out and put Buendia in instead we look far more predictable and have less space to play in.

[Dante Lavelli]

Did he have a full pre-season this year (and does it count anyway under Gerrard)?  He always seems to be slightly behind either in match-fitness or the team’s tactics. 

[paul_e]

Did he have a full pre-season this year (and does it count anyway under Gerrard)?  He always seems to be slightly behind either in match-fitness or the team’s tactics. 

Yes, he was our best player in pre-season from what I remember loads of people (even outside Villa fans) had big expectations for him to kick on after the rough first year with injuries and settling in to the league.

[dcdavecollett]

Had a decent game against Brighton.

He at least seems to have picked up that it's more rewarding to beat a man then pass it and look for the return, rather than continuing to take on opponents before finally losing the ball.

With what we hope will be a lot of extra games next season, he could still be around to play a lot of games.

[LeeB]

Had a decent game against Brighton.

He at least seems to have picked up that it's more rewarding to beat a man then pass it and look for the return, rather than continuing to take on opponents before finally losing the ball.

With what we hope will be a lot of extra games next season, he could still be around to play a lot of games.

I thought the last couple of home games he seemed to be more measured and was much improved as a result, neither performance was stellar but both were solid and that's much more encouraging to me.

I get the feeling Emery likes him too, and feels he can make it work with him.

[Drummond]

I'd put a fiver on Bailey being with us next season and having a big part to play.

[Towser]

I thought that when he was subbed off on Sunday he was saying goodbye the way he clapped all 4 sides of the ground just before he stepped off the pitch. From what I have seen after the game it looks like he is staying, but then again, I thought Ashley Young would be staying after his speech, look how that turned out.

[Bobby Boy]

Leon Bailey is ok isn't he? Nothing more than that.

I've been thinking about our players since Sunday from the point of view of aspirations to crack the top 4 and whilst Emery can clearly improve players and will continue to improve them I'm not sure that he can do so if essentially players aren't really of that calibre.

I don't know whether Bailey could ever be at that level as he is so inconsistent.

Watching Mitoma and Enciso on Sunday wasn't flattering to him at all.

Anyway we'll see what the summer brings in terms of additions.

[Monty]

Whatever decision Unai makes, you have to back it to be the right one. If it were up to me (and, in every sense, what the fuck do I know) his would be the first position on the teamsheet to upgrade if we are to progress. But if Unai thinks he can make him a real something, then obviously I agree.

[ChicagoLion]

Whatever decision Unai makes, you have to back it to be the right one. If it were up to me (and, in every sense, what the fuck do I know) his would be the first position on the teamsheet to upgrade if we are to progress. But if Unai thinks he can make him a real something, then obviously I agree.

I think RB is the most critical.
Sharply followed by this.

[Risso]

I would imagine that is the first position we want to upgrade. Emery has done brilliantly with what he has available, miraculous almost. But he'll want better, more consistent players than Bailey and Buendia, I've no doubt about that.