Aston Villa vs Leicester City LIVE: Premier League result, final score and reaction
Follow all the action from Villa Park
Follow live coverage as Aston Villa face Leicester City today in the Premier League. Another top-flight season will be covered in full right here with The Independent, as reigning champions Manchester City look to make it an unprecedented five titles in a row come the end of 2024/25.
The likes of Arsenal and Liverpool will be chasing Pep Guardiola's side, but just as fascinating will be the race for Champions League places, with more teams than ever before having designs on top-four finishes. Chelsea remain big-spending, Manchester United's latest rebuild continues and both Tottenham and Newcastle will expect improvements this year - yet it was Aston Villa who snared fourth last term.
Meanwhile, it's Southampton, Leicester City and Ipswich Town who made it back to the elite after promotion last year and each will have hope they can make it more than a one-year stay. Follow the latest live action from the Premier League below:
Aston Villa vs Leicester City
The full-time whistle sounds as Aston Villa have beaten Leicester City 2-1 with a determined performance at Villa Park. On a chilly January afternoon in the West Midlands, it seemed that many at Villa's historic ground were sitting on their hands as a quiet first half dragged by. However, in the second period, things became more lively as Barkley powered his side into the lead in the 58th minute. Leicester failed to clear from a corner and Barkley brought down a header away, before driving the ball into the bottom-left corner superbly. Leicester reacted brilliantly and restored parity just six minutes later to mute celebrations. Ayew powered down the right and crossed low for Vardy. He forced a close-range save from Martinez before Mavididi latched onto the rebound at the left post and squeezed home with aplomb. After key changes from Emery, Villa regained composure and the lead in the 76th minute. Justin's naivety at the back was punished as substitute Maatsen robbed the ball before sliding back across for Bailey to slam past Stolarczyk. Villa closed out this one to go eighth in the table, yet could've made it 3-1 on two occasions, bumping up their xG to an eventual 1.40. Leicester continue in 19th, and in battling back, exceeded their 0.36 xG. Thank you for joining us, we hope you enjoyed the game!
Aston Villa vs Leicester City
Daka works hard to win back the ball and play in Mavididi on the left. However, the winger's shot from that side is blocked and put out for a throw. Daka's long throw is then headed clear by the Villans' defence before Okoli powers one from range into the stands.
Aston Villa vs Leicester City
As Okoli slides in De Cordova-Reid and Mings blocks the cross behind for a right-sided corner, the announcement rings out that there will be five minutes of added time. Martinez rises to Buonanotte's delivery and dives onto the ball for safekeeping.
Aston Villa vs Leicester City
Substitution Luke Jonathan Thomas Bobby Armani De Cordova-Reid
Aston Villa vs Leicester City
Buendia can't make it three for the goal-hungry Villans! Watkins drives away from Okoli and cuts back to his Argentinian team-mate in the centre. Leaning back, he skies his curling effort!
Aston Villa vs Leicester City
HOW'S IT NOT 3-1!? Bailey darts down the right and powers onto the bar via a superb tip from Stolarczyk. A Buendia effort is then blocked by Okoli before Watkins fires over from close range!
Aston Villa vs Leicester City
Coady is then withdrawn for Italian centre-back Caleb Okoli.
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