Leon Bailey

[Drummond]

Absolutely right Dave. He's unpredictable for his opponents, and that can cause panic. His attitude seems to be spot on, and he's clearly enjoying his football.

I think the pressure is off him a bit, and as a result he's playing naturally and not forcing a performance.

[LeeB]

I like him. From the moment he came on yesterday I kept on saying 'just get the ball to Bailey'.

I like the rolled down socks, reminded me of some other lad that used to play for us. He was superb when he came on yesterday, I think he's a key weapon late in home games if we're trying to break down teams sat in and will win us many points.

[Aldridge Villa]

Agree with all these points about how he’s seemingly settled and enjoying his football whilst looking fitter and stronger. Acid test will be a strong performance away from home , hopefully that’s not too far away.

[Risso]

To be fair, we've had a pretty difficult run of away games so far, with Liverpool and Newcastle, plus Wolves where we're nearly always shit for some reason. Forest, Bournemouth and Brentford are 3 of the 4 next away games, and you'd fancy us to get something from all of those, so a good chance for him to step up.

[pablo_picasso]

I mentioned this in the match thread but due to all the injuries, Bailey is the only player from last season that has been "dropped" from the starting 11. And I think his attitude to that has been great. Rightly or wrongly, people were pretty harsh on him when he did play earlier in the season, but he seems to have just knuckled down and done what's asked of him, when it's asked of him, and it's working for him and for the team.

It all seems to come back to that idea of the players buying what Emery is selling and I don't think Emery would be shy about getting rid of anyone who wasn't 100% on board with his plans. And so far, everyone seems to be on board.

His post match interview (with Dougie) backed this up. I was really pleased to see him saying something along the lines of ‘all of us in the squad know our role and are ready to play our part when we are called’
The arrogance we used to attribute to him seems to have slipped away and I think that is simply because being part of a good squad who are going places, feels a bit different to being benched when we aren’t very good!
It’s always been true that it’s hard to build strength in depth because no decent player wants to be a sub in an average or poor team. We are at the stage where we can bench decent players!

On top of his great attitude, I think his form is much better than it was last season too.

He is a good player to have coming from the bench, especially against tired defences.

And hopefully, with the confidence that comes with how he is playing, he might start to unleash his pace again because he's not thinking about re-injuring himself. Possibly...

[darren woolley]

I agree he's a much better player this season and he loves scoring at Villa Park.

[Toronto Villa]

Nice post match interview with Leon

https://x.com/avfcofficial/status/1716414943493271820?s=46

[Dave P]

I agree he's a much better player this season and he loves scoring at Villa Park.

All of his league goals have been at the Holte End too.

[Ian.]

He’s a loveable fella ain’t he and it’s great to see him playing with confidence. That was a lovely goal yesterday. Pleased for him.

[andyh]

How much of his improvement and upturn in his attitude is due to his old mukka joining the club.
Sharing the load, pressure and expectations with Diaby must be a factor.

[PaulWinch again]

Top class finish. In a strong side I think he’ll be a big player.

[Monty]

He's turning into a dangerous, effective option for us, and I'm so surprised to be saying this. Just goes to show doesn't it?

[passport1]

Looks like a man who has bought into the Emery ethic.  Reminds me of Buendia  last season who always gave 100% when called on. Great to see a happy squad.

[Percy McCarthy]

I agree he's a much better player this season and he loves scoring at Villa Park.

All of his league goals have been at the Holte End too.

Everton this season?

[nigel]

How much of his improvement and upturn in his attitude is due to his old mukka joining the club.
Sharing the load, pressure and expectations with Diaby must be a factor.

Was just about to say the same thing.
It certainly must help having a good mate joining, too