Leon Bailey (out on loan to AS Roma)

[Ads]

Deliberate that they force wide and use the full back as the fulcrum. The patterns are there in every game. That's not coincidence. I don't think it works, but I also don't think it's a rabble either, it's a designed system that's failing.

I agree with this analysis. The pattern of play as been consistent and SG has convinced himself that it will come good.

And that it's the players who aren't doing their jobs properly...

It's quite the puzzle. I'd genuinely like to hear him break down his preferred system for what patterns he wants to see.

[Three Spires Villa]

Fair fucks to you Leon, superb

[PaulWinch again]

Bailey has so much talent, we get him confident and he will kill teams.

[LeeB]

He an absolute threat, we've got to get him the ball in the right places.

[eamonn]

His Villa lift-offs happen every September. Til next year, big man!

Nah seriously, hopefully he believes more in himself now and can make that starting berth his, er, berthright.

[PaulTheVillan]

He is a highlights player.

Just need more highlights

[Rudy Can't Fail]

Don't tell that to Mr Butler, he's been at it again.

[ADVILLAFAN]

Like to think I played a particular his goal.

Dropped him fromy fantasy team this week.

[nigel]

I wonder if Gerrard has stumbled on a bit of a winner by playing Leon and Ollie as, what appeared to be, a fluid front two.
One or the other can play central, or wide as they’re both quick.

[Ian.]

They both have lots of pace which we’ve been lacking and not making the most of. A few more passes like Dougie’s through ball and we will not have to keep relying on the full backs trying to be wingers. I’m not saying not to, but as our only outlet it wasn’t working.

[rougegorge]

He wasn't the only one who underperformed today, but he threw in another underwhelming display.  Someone told me that Sky showed he had lost or gave the ball away 23 times?! I was actually surprised he'd had that many touches so that must have been a very high proportion.

[Meanwood Villa]

He was rubbish tonight

[eamonn]

I thought it was Johnny McGinnagain who had squandered possesh so badly?

[PeterWithesShin]

McGinn 38 passes, 73.7% pass accuracy
Bailey 19 passes, 42.1% pass accuracy

[Smirker]

He was bad tonight.