Aston Villa hold off Leeds for fifth win under Unai Emery
Aston Villa survived a late-match surge from Leeds United in a 2-1 Premier League victory at Villa Park on Friday evening.
The win is Villa’s fifth since Unai Emery was appointed manager in November and — before Saturday’s matches — no team in England’s top flight had earned more points (13) then Villa in the league since then.
Villa entered the weekend in 11th place and remain there after Friday’s victory. They’re now 7-4-8 overall with 25 points through 19 matches this season and are three points adrift of 10th-place Chelsea.
Aston Villa 2-1 Leeds
Villa took an early lead via Leon Bailey in the third minute after he finished off a near-flawless counter attack from a Leeds corner.
Ashley Young recovered a loose ball in the Villa box and sprung a surging Boubacar Kamara, who carried the ball through the middle third before playing Bailey on the right side. The Jamaican cut inside near the top of the Leeds box and scored with a left-footed finish.
Leeds were the better side for the remainder of the half, but Villa keeper Emi Martinez was up to the task and helped the hosts take a 1-0 lead into halftime.
Villa found success on the counter again the second half, and, again, Bailey was involved. After Douglas Luiz played a midfield pass to the winger high on the right side, he cut inside and made an attempt at goal.
Leeds keeper Illan Meslier made a save, but the rebound fell directly to Emi Buendia, who ran all the way from midfield to beat the Frenchman with a delicate header.
Substitute Patrick Bamford cut the Leeds deficit in half (2-1) in the 83rd minute and set up a nervy closing moments. Leeds had a handful of quality chances to tie the match but they ultimately couldn’t beat Martinez.
Aston Villa vs. Leeds: by the numbers
- Villa out-possessed Leeds, 54% to 46%, but were out-shot 16 to 11 in the match.
- Expected goals (xG): Aston Villa, 1.11; Leeds, 2.20.
- Kamara was credited with an assist, won seven of eight ground duels, and made eight passes into the final third.
- Leeds are in 14th place in the league with 17 points in 18 matches.
Want your voice heard? Join the Claret Villans team!