LONDON, CMC—Reggae Boy Leon Bailey believes Sunday’s stunning win over Arsenal at the Emirates will give life to the crucial second leg of their Europa Conference League tie against Lille on Thursday.
The 26-year-old scored the opening goal in the 84th minute after entering the game as a 61st-minute substitute. Ollie Watkins doubled the visitors’ advantage three minutes later, as Villa dominated the second half to come away with an impressive 2-0 win.
Villa heads into the second leg of the Conference League tie in northern France with the advantage, having won the opening leg 2-1 last week.
“I definitely will take confidence from it, and I think the team should take a lot of confidence from this game as well,” Bailey said.
“The way we played here, coming to the Emirates, Arsenal are a solid team with an excellent coach. Their structure and the way they play is great.
“But I think the way we set out was so strong, and I think the team didn’t give up too much, and we created opportunities simultaneously.”
He continued: “So, it wasn’t just only defending. We should consider this game and give ourselves confidence moving forward.
“The way we played here was perfect.” For Arsenal, the defeat dented their title hopes, as it denied them the chance to go top, especially with Liverpool losing 1-0 at home to Crystal Palace.
Defending Manchester City now leads with 73 points. Villa’s victory, however, allowed them to take sole possession of the final Champions League spot. They are in fourth place with 63 points—three clear of Tottenham Hotspurs, who suffered a chastening 4-0 defeat to Newcastle over the weekend.
“It was brilliant. It’s nice to be a Villa player and a Villa fan,” said Bailey, who scored 13 goals in all competitions this season.
“It’s nice to come away to the Emirates and get three points. I think the fans should be buzzing right now; the players are buzzing, and I’m buzzing to be able to come on and contribute.
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