Journalist Dean Jones has now claimed that it’s up to Unai Emery to maintain Danny Ings and Leon Bailey’s ‘new lease of life’ at Aston Villa.
While the side were thrashed at St James’ Park on Saturday, Jones feels the pair have looked rejuvenated since Steven Gerrard’s sacking.
In the first game without the Liverpool legend at the helm, Villa battered Brentford 4-0 with both men getting on the scoresheet, with Ings bagging a brace.
The three-cap England international has played every minute of the last two matches, while Bailey has now started eight of the side’s last nine games.
Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jones said: “I think it was Gerrard’s exit that’s given those two a new lease of life. It seems like they’re playing with freedom and joy and a weight off their shoulders.
“And if that’s the case, I guess now Emery just needs to keep supplying the oxygen so he can keep those two alive and kicking.”
TIF Thoughts on Jones’ comments…
Will Emery be a success at Villa?Yes!
No!
|
Ings has only managed to muster three goals in 12 Premier League games this season following a haul of seven in 30 appearances last term, but a more consistent run in the side should prove beneficial.
It remains to be seen whether or not he will receive that with Emery’s arrival, but considering the 30-year-old hit 34 league goals in the two campaigns prior to his move to the West Midlands combined, it would perhaps be advised.
Meanwhile, Bailey struggled terribly with injuries in his first season with the Villans last year.
However, he has shown his ability this term and ranks third-highest in the squad in terms of average match rating (WhoScored) behind Emiliano Martinez and Ashley Young, and we feel that Bailey and Ings will play a key role in the immediate future of the team.