Aston Villa’s thrilling 2-0 victory over Arsenal on Sunday suggests they could have a significant influence in the 2023–24 Premier League title fight.
The Gunners were the best team in the Premier League going into the match, having won all of their games this season, but Villa surprised the home team by scoring two goals in the closing minutes to take all three points.
They needed it badly after losing to Brentford the previous Saturday, as a number of players, most notably Youri Tielemans, performed exceptionally well against Mikel Arteta’s team.
Youri Tielemans’ stats vs Arsenal
The Belgian has been playing well lately, despite having a lacklustre first few months at Villa Park. Up until the new year, he had only started four league games.
The former star of Leicester City has scored once and picked up three assists in the Premier League since January. He has become an important member of Unai Emery’s squad, which culminated in an incredible performance against Arsenal.
Youri Tielemans
| Youri Tielemans’ statistics for Villa against Arsenal | |
|---|---|
| Assists | 1 |
| Big chances created | 1 |
| Key passes | 1 |
| Total duels (won) | 10 (6) |
| Tackles | 4 |
He was used in the centre of the midfield with John McGinn, and he proved to be a nuisance moving forward by recording an assist, making one crucial pass, setting up a significant opportunity, and successfully dribbling all of his attempts.
Tielemans even excelled defensively, winning six of the ten ground duels he engaged in during the match in addition to recording four tackles and two interceptions. This was a crucial performance by the former Leicester player, as Douglas Luiz was not present due to suspension.
In the second leg of their Europa Conference League quarterfinal match against Lille on Thursday, this performance undoubtedly deserves another start, and Leon Bailey, who again demonstrated his undroppability with a brilliant cameo off the bench, might partner him.
Why Leon Bailey is now undroppable at Aston Villa
With 13 goals and 12 assists in all competitions, the Jamaican winger is having a fantastic season for Villa. Alongside Ollie Watkins, he has been Villa’s most potent offensive threat this season.
Unexpectedly, Emery benched him against the Gunners in favour of Moussa Diaby on the right side of his midfield.
Bailey replaced Diaby with just under 30 minutes remaining. He looked impressive right away, attempting two dribbles, winning three of his five duels, and only losing possession four times.
Bailey scored at the far post with six minutes left in normal time to give Villa a 1-0 lead. In just a few minutes, Watkins extended the lead to seal a historic triumph and give the team the league double against the north Londoners.
Birmingham Live gave the winger a 7/10 match grade for his performance, and on Thursday against Lille, he ought to return to the starting lineup.
Despite a difficult season opener under Steven Gerrard the previous year, Ashley Preece, a journalist, called him a “standout.” Under Emery, he has been able to express his true abilities and has grown to become one of Villa’s most vital players.
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