If you don’t know who Austin MacPhee is, take out your pen and note down the name. Everybody is in awe of the Aston Villa’s set piece expert after yesterday’s Premier League clash between Manchester United and Aston Villa.
The boxing day match was an absolute thriller from start to finish. It had plenty of moments to talk about but even among those one has shone the brightest: Villa’s set piece masterclass.
It was 21st minute of the match and Villa were awarded a free kick for a foul by Bruno Fernandes on striker Leander Dendoncker.
As John McGinn poised up to take the kick, winger Leon Bailey was seen standing behind the opponent’s goalkeeper Andre Onana.
Everybody was wondering if the winger has lost it, as he was in an offside position. Curiously enough, the winger was seen whispering something to the goalkeeper just before the free kick.
As things proceeded, McGinn’s free kick floated towards the Manchester net just to sail past everyone, right in front of the goalkeeper’s face and slid in home. What was considered a mistake on the wingers part turned out to be some kind of tactic.
United players were not happy about it and were seen complaining about the mischievous act, calling for turning down the goal because of Bailey interfering with the goalkeeper.
VAR being the final authority in such matters, was involved and ruled the goal valid after having a look at it.
Everybody is now wondering ‘What did Leon Bailey say to Andre Onana?’
After the fact, people found it pretty funny. They attributed the goal to Onana getting distracted by the talk and hence in confusion losing focus.
Things haven’t been going well for the goalkeeper since his arrival and the latest incident only piles on the misery.
The scenes were captured by the cameras and now they have making round on the internet as prime meme material too.
Set piece curator Austin has been known to have a reputation for out of the box, innovative thinking in such matters.
This wasn’t the only display of that intellect. It was just 5 minutes later in the 26th minute that once again the brilliance was shown. Another set piece and another goal converted.
This time it was a corner kick taken by McGinn again. He lifted the ball towards the back post and defender Clément Lenglet’s run went unchecked. He then headed the ball towards the center which was slotted in by Dendoncker.
United were in huge trouble before getting rescued in the second half with Rasmus Hojlund providing the final winning touch in the 82nd minute.
With that volley, the Danish striker ended his 14 matches long Premier League duck too. The striker was ecstatic after the match and emotions were running high.
Villa have been the dark horses of the PL as of now but these holiday fixtures haven’t been kind to them. They can still take away some positives from the game yesterday and pick themselves up for the last game of 2023 vs Burney at home.
If you find out what Bailey said, don’t forget to tell us. We will do the same if we get there before you.
