Leon Bailey wants to see Aston Villa hit form on their travels
Leon Bailey has called on Villa to take their stunning home form on the road as attention turns to Thursday’s Europa Conference League clash with AZ Alkmaar.
Unai Emery’s men will head to Holland in confident mood after Sunday’s 4-1 thrashing of West Ham, their 11th consecutive home league victory.
Their form away from Villa Park has been less consistent, with just one win in four in the league, coupled with an opening night Conference League Group E defeat at Legia Warsaw.
Speaking about Villa’s home record, Bailey said: “It is really down the hard work we have been putting in.
“The fans have been brilliant, they have been behind us and that makes it tough for opponents but also gives us confidence to perform.
“But we also need to do the same thing when we are playing away. We have a very good coach, a strong structure in the team and the gameplan has been working for us. Hopefully we can do it in the away games as well and perform the same way we do at home.”
After two matches Group E is evenly poised, all four teams level on three points after John McGinn’s stoppage-time winner against Zrinjski Mostar finally got Villa’s campaign up and running.
Back-to-back fixtures with Alkmaar, who visit Villa Park early next month, will now be pivotal.
“The group is set in a way now that everything is possible,” said Bailey. “We just need to stay focused on what we are doing, our gameplan and everything will come after.
“Playing in Europe is difficult, particularly away from home. Hopefully we can carry on the gameplan, perform to the best of our ability and get the three points.”
Bailey bagged his fifth goal of the season as Villa beat the Hammers, his last two coming as a substitute.
He said: “As a player you always want to be involved, either on the scoresheet or getting assists, being there for the team. On Sunday I came on and helped the team a little bit. I am pleased with that.
“There is a lot of talent in the group and we all know that. Most importantly, we all know the gameplan. Whether you start or come off the bench, you know the plan.
“Whenever you get your minutes you just have to take advantage and do it to the best of your ability.”
