In times gone by, when a specific and key Aston Villa player has struggled for form, it’s natural in a sense to grow frustrated and make our displeasure known as we all ultimately expect more.
Sometimes that’s warranted and it can have a positive impact on said player to prove a point, but admittedly, it can go too far the other way and just make matters worse and create a negative atmosphere.
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As fans though, we play a fundamental role in lifting our players back up when they are struggling, and so to hear and see the support and backing that Leon Bailey is currently receiving says a lot about our fanbase, and how this is now a completely different Villa under Unai Emery.
After a brilliant season last year, the 27-year-old has struggled so far in this campaign as he’s contributed just one assist in nine appearances across all competitions.
Emery publicly revealed that Bailey wasn’t 100 percent fit prior to the International break, and so that went a long way in explaining why he was perhaps struggling to hit top form if he’s not physically capable of giving more having played through his issues.
Nevertheless, it was hoped that the break would give him an opportunity to rest, recover and receive treatment to get back to full health, and in turn he could come flying out of the blocks against Fulham this weekend.
Bailey was certainly fired up and looked sharp at times in the first half, but his performance gradually declined as the game went on and he was eventually replaced on the hour mark as Villa went on to secure all three points with a 3-1 win at Craven Cottage.
What was wonderful to hear during the clash though was the away section singing Bailey’s name and trying to rally him, while a quick glance at his social media after the game will show positive comments throughout the feed with fans backing him to get back to his best in the coming weeks and months.
It may only be a small thing for others and ultimately it’s about what Bailey does on the pitch now, but it was refreshing and great to see the Villa fanbase get behind the Jamaican international and lift him up rather than piling on his own frustration and disappointment with how his season is going thus far on an individual level.
There’s no doubt that Bailey expects more from himself and Emery will demand more, but he remains a pivotal figure in the side and it’s likely that the Villa boss will keep faith in him and allow him to play through this rough patch before he finds his feet in our attack again.
Others have stepped up during his quiet run as Ollie Watkins, Jhon Duran, Morgan Rogers and Jacob Ramsey are all playing decisive roles, and it’s hoped that Bailey rediscovers his confidence and momentum to become a menace down the right wing again to add another vital dynamic to our attacking play.
It says a lot about the culture and atmosphere that Emery is building at the club though, both internally and externally, as we will ultimately back every player in this squad through their difficulties and wait patiently for them to get back to the level expected to play their part.
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