Bailey gives fans hope for life after Grealish

The king is dead, long live Danny Ings? Well not quite. At least not yet anyway. True, Ings broke his duck with a spot-kick in the dying embers. But he largely cut an isolated figure up front, Ollie Watkins having failed a late fitness test.

The scoreline flattered Aston Villa, who were well beaten by a Watford side displaying the verve that the 2,000-or-so travelling from

Birmingham had hoped to see from their stars.

Dean Smith tore into an abject first-half display, accusing his team of “lacking intensity”. Matt Targett, in particular, endured a torrid time at Ismaila Sarr’s feet. Ashley Young was initially employed in a left-wing role that would have suited him circa 2011, but felt a stretch in 2021. Once he reverted to full-back, Sarr was somewhat tamed.

Emiliano Buendia has made a career of occupying the space between midfield and defence, and Saturday was no different. Except every time he gained possession, Watford men flocked to surround him. The Argentine has plenty of bite, so expect him to come good.

Leon Bailey’s presence should help. The Jamaican registered 15 goals and 10 assists for Bayer Leverkusen last season, and only four men averaged more than his 3.5 completed dribbles per 90 minutes in the Bundesliga. His belated introduction half an hour from time was the catalyst for Villa’s uptick.

Douglas Luiz will be back too, with an Olympic gold medal. It is unthinkable he would have allowed Tom Cleverley the space to time and again set Sarr racing down the right.

Filling the void left by Jack Grealish will take time. The replacements are not like for like. But under Smith, Villa have been on an upward trajectory; do not bet against that continuing.