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Paul Merson says Aston Villa have an ‘absolutely lethal’ 26-year-old in their ranks
Aston Villa are enjoying a superb season under Unai Emery, with European glory and Premier League top-four qualification still on the cards.
The Villans reached the semi-finals of the Europa Conference League on Thursday night, overcoming Lille in a penalty shootout.
Villa’s triumph in France saw them reach the semi-finals of a European competition for the first time in 42 years.
In addition, Villa are in pole position to finish in the Premier League’s top four, sitting three points clear of fifth-placed Tottenham.
Last week, the Villans stunned Arsenal on their own turf, running out 2-0 winners at the Emirates Stadium.
Leon Bailey opened the scoring in the 84th minute before Ollie Watkins made sure of all three points just three minutes later.
Now, Paul Merson has praised Bailey’s “absolutely lethal” efforts against Arsenal ahead of Villa’s meeting with Bournemouth on Sunday.
What has Paul Merson said about Aston Villa ace Leon Bailey?
Merson wrote on prior to the Lille clash: “For the 2024-25 campaign, I don’t think the Premier League is getting a fifth spot in the UEFA Champions League after last night’s results.
“Aston Villa will be wary of that and will want to finish in the top four ahead of Tottenham Hotspur, so I fancy them to get the job done against Bournemouth.
“Their game plan (against Arsenal) was absolutely outstanding on the night – they kept it tight and hit Arsenal on the counter when the nerves started kicking in.
“Leon Bailey’s pace in the second half proved to be absolutely lethal as the Villans capped off a proper performance with three points.
“They are fourth in the league and have done the double over Arsenal – that is some achievement.”
Merson went on to predict a 2-1 victory for Villa over Bournemouth.
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Bailey has gone from strength to strength for Villa under Emery this season.
Aside from his superb display against Arsenal, Bailey also changed the game when he came on against Lille.
His constant running and energy helped invigorate his Villa teammates, culminating in Matty Cash’s late goal which kept them in the tie. And the rest is history.