Leon Bailey hailed a “special night” at Villa Park as Aston Villa saw off reigning Premier League and European champions Manchester City.
Bailey’s 74th-minute strike proved the difference and secured a deserved 1-0 victory as Villa put in an outstanding performance in front of a vociferous home support on a memorable night in B6.
The triumph equalled a club-record 14 successive home league wins as Unai Emery’s Villans dominated the encounter, ending a 15-match winless run against City in all competitions stretching back a decade.
Villa, up to third in the Premier League table, have now tasted defeat just once in their last 13 matches and are one victory shy of equalling a club-record 24 top-flight wins in a calendar year.
“Indeed, a special night,” matchwinner Bailey told VillaTV.
“It was more special than I’ve ever seen it before because, obviously, Manchester City. We got a great three points.
“I’ve never seen the stadium rocking the way it was here.
“I can’t tell you how grateful and impressed I was on the pitch.
“Obviously I was the one to score the goal, it was amazing. It was brilliant.”
Villa have now matched their record of consecutive home league wins set in 1903 and again in 1930-31.
It came in what was boss Emery’s 50th match in charge of the club, with the Spaniard also recording his 50th Premier League win.
Villa's tally of 32 points after 15 matches is their highest in a Premier League season, eclipsing the 30 registered in 1998/99.
League leaders Arsenal are the visitors next up on Saturday and Bailey is keen to stay humble and keep working hard as Villa look to remain on the right track.
“This is the energy, this is the vibe we want to bring to Villa Park every time we play here,” he said.
“We just have to be humble and continue working, because I think that’s the most important thing.
“Stay humble and put in the work each and every day.”
You can watch man of the match Leon’s full interview below…
