El Ghazi claims sweet revenge for Aston Villa as familiar failures cost Leeds
Revenge was sweet for Anwar El Ghazi as he and Aston Villa exorcised the ghost of Patrick Bamford.
The Leeds United striker helped himself to a hat-trick in a comprehensive win earlier in the season at Villa Park while two years ago his play acting led to El Gahzi’s red card in a tempestuous affair.
It was a madcap game in which Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa ordered his side to walk in an equaliser with the Holland international red carded after Bamford went down claiming he had been elbowed.
The red card was later rescinded and Bamford handed a two game ban for simulation.
It took just four minutes for a fired up El Ghazi to extract some retribution as Villa proved there is life without their injured talisman Jack Grealish.
The assist should probably go to the re-laid Elland Road surface which has continually caused problems with players struggling to stay upright following any sharp change of direction.
El Ghazi’s own corner caused the home side problems and when it wasn’t cleared Ollie Watkins took aim but slipped only for his attempted shot to find the winger for a crisp close range finish.
Maybe the Villa man was fearing the worst again here because he didn’t celebrate expecting an offside flag, along with the Leeds defence, which didn’t arrive and his sixth Premier League goal of the season was swiftly confirmed by VAR.
Leeds themselves had come close to taking advantage of the suspect surface even before El Ghazi was able to leave his calling card.
Bamford went flying in the first minute inadvertently setting up an opportunity for Raphina, the Brazilian just failing to pounce as the ball flew across the face of the goal.
It might not have reached the notoriety of the last meeting here when Leeds enraged their visitors by scoring when Villa had stopped playing with a man lying injured but it had its moments.
Watkins and Diego Llorente had a set too which was calmly dealt with by referee Peter Bankes but who was forced to brandish yellow cards when Matt Targett and Tyler Roberts tangled.
For once Leeds lost their way with their livewire act – one operated without a safety net.
There was plenty of hustle and bustle from Bielsa’s side but without the finishing power which has made them the Premier League great entertainers on their first season back amongst the elite.
Bamford watched by England boss Gareth Southgate failed to add to his growing reputation and Raphina’s Brazilian magic which has lit up Elland Road took an evening off.
Raphina had a late chance to rescue a point when Jack Harrison came off the substitutes bench to float in a cross but he mistimed his header and it glanced harmlessly wide.
It was El Ghazi – a man on a mission- who had come close to creating more havoc in the opening half going twice on a couple of occasions while Illan Meslier had to save smartly following a 50 yard run from Watkins.
Roberts blazed over wildly from an inviting position while substitute Pablo Hernandez saw a fierce effort blocked as Villa looked to suck the life out the frustrated home side.
It was evident that Tyrone Mings and company were trying to protect keeper Emiliano Martinez who appeared to be suffering and was handed some painkillers.
But he was hardly placed under any real pressure as Villa dug in and won without Grealish for the first time this season following three defeats without him.
It was a pity that Leeds couldn’t match the shouting and hollering from their manager who had long disposed of his
It was obvious at the final whistle who enjoyed a quick handshake more between El Ghazi and Bielsa, the pair having been together at Lille.
Job done for El Ghazi – more work to be done for Bielsa.
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