Ian Wright has backed Aston Villa’s decision to be ‘very resolute’ in their defending during their win at Leeds over the weekend, as he told the Weekend Review on Optus Sport.
The former striker questioned why Aston Villa would open up the game after ‘reading’ that Leeds fans were ‘disappointed’ at the way their opponents set up at Elland Road.
Villa recorded a deserved three points on Saturday when Anwar El Ghazi’s early strike was enough to seal the points for his team.
Dean Smith’s men ensured that they beat Leeds’ press by playing a more direct style before dropping back 10 yards or so during the second period.
Arsenal legend Wright backed Villa’s decision to play in such a way and secure all three points against this gung-ho Leeds team.
“I was reading that Leeds fans were disappointed that Villa came and were very resolute in their defending,” said Wright.
“Brilliant defending I thought. They were disappointed that Villa went there and weren’t a bit more open and that.
“And why would you? Why would you? Why would you when you know what Leeds can do? It was brilliant from Villa, especially without Jack Grealish.”
Whilst Leeds were without their own boyhood fan – Kalvin Phillips – Villa were also missing one of their own in Jack Grealish.
Psychologically, it put to bed that Villa cannot win without their expert ball-carrier causing havoc in the final third.
Villa’s next test is a clash against bottom-of-the-table Sheffield United, where they will be hoping to increase their chances of securing a European finish at the end of the season.
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