High-flying Bailey helps Villa go joint top of EPL
Jamaican winger Leon Bailey continued his excellent form this season as he scored the opener and went on to play a crucial role in Aston Villa’s 3-2 win over 10-man Burnley on Saturday.
It was Bailey’s sixth league goal of the season and ninth in all competitions. The in-form Jamaica international also has eight assists overall, with five of them coming in the English Premier League (EPL).
“Perfect way to end the year, happy to add another goal to the tally. Happy New Years Villans, see you all in 2024,” Bailey said after the match in a post to Instagram.
Bailey fired Villa in front in the 28th minute but it was quickly canceled out by Zeki Amdouni.
Moussa Diaby scored in the 42nd to restore the lead for the home side before the half ended.
Burnley suffered a further setback when Sander Berge was sent off in the 56th, but Villa were frustrated again after Lyle Foster leveled in the 71st.
Then Aaron Ramsey’s foul on Jhon Duran – after a Bailey pass – in the box gave Villa the chance to take the lead for a third time. Luiz converted the penalty with a shot in off the bar.
It secured a 26th league win of 2023 for Unai Emery’s team and took them joint top of the EPL.
Additional reporting by AP