Match Reaction: Aston Villa 2 Leicester City 1
Aston Villa kicked off the second half of their Premier League campaign in 2025, in positive light, securing a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Leicester City at Villa Park. The win, powered by a stunning strike from Ross Barkley and a late winner from Leon Bailey, took Villa’s unbeaten league home run to 10 games.
Barkley’s Brilliance and Bailey’s Breakthrough
After a poor first half for the purist, it was Ross Barkley who broke the deadlock with a arrowed 58th-minute strike from the edge of the box. The midfielder’s third league goal of the season finally fired up the Villa Park crowd, who had been feeding on scraps for most of the game.
However, Villa’s Achilles’ heel – defensive lapses in transition from unforced errors – allowed Leicester to equalise. A smart cut back from Jordan Ayew, saw Jamie Hardy force a class save from Emi Martinez, before Stephy Mavididi put away the rebound. Leon Bailey delivered the decisive moment in the 84th minute, scoring his first Premier League goal since April 2024.
Unai Emery: “Together, We Did This Victory”
Speaking after the match, Unai Emery was full of praise for his players.
“I’m very happy,” said Emery. “We needed to win these three points to start the second half of the season with the motivation we have to be in the top ten and the European positions.”
The manager emphasised the importance of making Villa Park a fortress, crediting the home support for helping the team overcome Leicester’s equaliser.
“The fortress is something we have to feel here, and I think we are doing it. The supporters are helping us a lot. After their goal, we needed the supporters and they were supporting and helping us. Together, we did this victory,” Emery stated.
Villa Park Form Crutch
Since their defeat to Arsenal in the opening game at Villa Park this season, Villa haven’t lost since in either the Premier League or Champions League.
“In Villa Park, we are trying to feel strong and comfortable with our supporters and trying to play with energy,” added, Emery. “We have to transmit that to our supporters and be positive.”
Now Emery’s attention turns to Villa’s away form, they’ve only won three games out of nine on their travels.
“Now we’re away against Everton and Arsenal, and we have to feel our power at home and away to get the challenge we have,” Emery concluded.
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