‘He was crying’ - What Unai Emery said on Aston Villa star after key moment vs Wolves

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery made a point to defend Leon Bailey after the forward missed a golden opportunity to win the West Midlands derby on Wednesday evening. Doing everything right until the finish as he rounded Wolverhampton Wanderers goalkeeper Jose Sa, Bailey scuffed a 94th-minute effort wide and the match ended 1-1.

The Jamaican was inconsolable at the full-time whistle as he lay on the ground in devastation, knowing a more accurate shot could have sealed his side all three points. Villa goalscorer Danny Ings, who fed Bailey for the opportunity, tried his best to help his teammate but it took him a long while to get off the ground.

Bailey was not the only Villan below par on the night as Emery’s side were static and unadventurous, particularly in the first half. Wolves dominated proceedings for the first hour or so and were deservingly leading until the 77th minute, as Ings dinked the ball over Sa after a spell or real improvement.

It was Bailey’s big moment that has stuck with people since, though, and Emery was very aware of that in the post-match press conference as he guarded his player. “He didn’t score but I am happy with him,” Emery said. “He was crying but that is good because he was feeling and he was taking responsibility. I am very happy with his commitment. Today was good to learn more with him.

“Against Liverpool he had three very good chances to score and he had a very good performance. On Sunday [vs Tottenham] he was doing more. He was working defensively a lot and [vs Wolves] it was a good match for chances. In the first five minutes he had a very good chance and the last chance as well. I am happy with his performances,” Emery continued.

It has not been an easy campaign on the whole for Bailey, as he has struggled to gain any real consistency with performances. The 25-year-old, who has played all 90 minutes in just four games this term, has scored just three goals in 17 league games despite playing predominantly as a second striker.

Much of the same can be said for the entire Villa team, though, as right up until Emery was appointed to replace Steven Gerrard they were looking like potential relegation contenders. Now, there is a belief that the Lions can advance up the table, rather than down. Another challenge awaits on Sunday, as Villa take on Stevenage in the FA Cup.