Having played well but fallen to defeat last time out against Arsenal, it was time to get back to winning ways.
The key moments, and crucially those that counted against Leicester, were ultimately Villa’s.
Whilst Villa were largely comfortable, and demonstrated some cultured play in spells, this was a scrappy watch at times (largely due to the officiating).
A cleverly worked set-piece in the first half delivered the opener, with Jacob Ramsey squaring a ball amidst defensive disarray for Onana to slide home. It was a smart goal and deserved.
Watkins could have added a second and a first of the campaign when one-on-one with the ‘keeper. However, Hermanson managed to get a hand to the ball just as the England international tried to skip past. It extends Watkins’ goalless run to eight games.
Emery identified the need for a second goal and rolled on the enigmatic Jhon Duran.
The Colombian made no mistake with a superb header after impressive build up play before it. Digne’s excellent cross was only bettered by Duran’s headed winner that gave Villa a two-goal buffer.
Embed from Getty ImagesLeicester appeared beaten and had been passed to death by Villa to this point.
However, we all know that following AVFC comes with mandatory jeopardy.
The hosts managed to get one back, with attacking Argentine midfielder Buonanotte hammering home after the ball broke in the area. It was a sloppy goal to concede with twenty minutes to play.
There was time for another heart-stopping moment in injury time.
Tielemans was called into action as Winks burst into the penalty area. The Belgian had no choice but to make a committed precision tackle. We held our breath as Winks tumbled and the clamour for a spot-kick commenced. The ref waved away the protests, VAR was un-moved, Vardy was booked, and Villa saw out the victory. Relief.
That’s two away wins on the bounce and a perfect response to the defeat last weekend.
Villa are up to 6th and must be smelling blood with a desperate Everton side up next.
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