This is how the national media reacted to Leeds United’s 2-1 defeat at Villa Park.
Marsch 'surprised’ by hostility
Daily Mail reporter Tom Collomosse described the moment Jesse Marsch felt the wrath from the travelling Leeds supporters. He wrote: “As Marsch walked towards the Leeds fans at the final whistle, he felt the full force of their anger after his side slipped to a defeat that means they remain two points above the relegation zone.
“Leeds had played well but with Villa two up late in the game, some fans had seen enough. The cry of ‘Marsch out!’ was audible from the away section and unless results improve, they may soon have their wish sooner rather than later - even though the American seemed surprised by his reception.”
Martinez the hero… again
Just as he was in the World Cup final last month, Ben Fisher of The Guardian named Emiliano Martinez as the match winner. Several saves - especially in the first half - thwarted Leeds and helped Aston Villa secure all three points.
READ MORE: Leeds United player ratings as Struijk and Koch underline shaky defence in Aston Villa loss
His report read: “For Emiliano Martinez, this chilly evening in Aston must have felt strangely reminiscent of the World Cup on the Persian Gulf last month.
“There was the magnificent point-blank save to deny Jack Harrison and Leeds a certain equaliser on the brink of half-time; a replica of the free-kick routine from which Wout Weghorst, the Netherlands striker who has just joined Manchester United, scored to force extra-time in the quarter-final; there were the dark arts, perfected by Villa, that infuriated Jesse Marsch on the touchline. And, ultimately, there was a sweet victory at the end of it all.”
Leeds’ position ‘perilous’
Alarm bells should be ringing around Elland Road after Sky Sports reporter Adam Bate described the Whites’ situation as “perilous”. As it stands, Leeds are two points above the drop zone and could be in the bottom three by Sunday.
“Leeds' situation is more perilous,” he wrote. “Although this was a spirited performance, it was a flawed one too, with sections of the away support chanting for Marsch to go.
“They remain two points off the drop zone and without a win in seven games in all competitions.”
‘Argentinian grit’
The Villa keeper was eulogised again in The Sun’s post-match piece. Graeme Bryce summarised: “Aston Villa held their nerve to see off Leeds - with a win carved out thanks to some pure Argentinian grit. Once Leon Bailey had made amends for his howler of a miss against Wolves with a third-minute opener, Leeds took over.
“However, skipper for the night Emi Martinez defied Jesse Marsch's men with some stunning saves to preserve that slender lead. And it was another bit of Argy magic at the other end of the pitch which ultimately did for Leeds when Emi Buendia headed home a second midway through the second half.
“Actually make that some VAR-gy magic as Buendia's goal was originally flagged offside. Buendia wagged his finger at ref Michael Oliver and VAR took another look and decided he was right as he pounced on Illan Meslier's parry from Bailey's piledriver to loop his header over the Frenchman.
“Gnonto's battle with ever-green Young was a classic and the kid finally got the better of his veteran foe seven minutes from the end when he rag-dolled the Villa man before setting up Bamford to score from close range. Despite eight minutes of stoppage time Villa stayed strong to grind out three crucial points.”
READ NEXT:
Jesse Marsch told what must improve for Leeds United to fly up Premier League table
Marc Roca outlines similarity Leeds United boss Jesse Marsch shares with Bayern Munich manager
What we learned watching Leeds United train - Junior Firpo skill, Max Wober, fitness clues
Man City's Kalvin Philips told he is 'in danger of being on a coach back' to Leeds United
Junior Firpo facing Leeds United crossroads with temptation January transfer window may offer
