Aston Villa cruised past a clueless Leeds with little more than a wimper from the hosts, as their losing streak extended to six games. With two points, and two places separating Leeds from a one way ticket back to the Championship, there was little to suggest that Marsch's men were any better than the likes of Norwich and Watford. At times, the football from Leeds was more reminiscent of an U9's game, with ten players chasing the ball around the pitch. Even with possession, bad decisions and wayward passing cost them, as an average Villa team were made to look like World beaters.

The visitors took the lead midway through the first half. Digne cross evaded Ollie Watkins, but with no Leeds defenders within 20 feet, Villa were allowed the luxury of not just recovering the ball and picking out Coutinho on the edge of the box. His effort struck Struijk, and deflected over Meslier to open the scoring. Villa continued to carve out opportunities; only acrobatic dives from Meslier saved Leeds from further first half punishment. Jesse Marsch bought on Gelhardt for Rodrigo at half-time, as the Whites enjoyed a rare spell of possession, and even an effort at goal, which sailed harmlessly into the Upper tier of the South Stand.

Steven Gerrard's team soon retook control, and added a second on 65 minutes. Matty Cash found himself in acres of space. He sidestepped Firpo's desperate attempt to retrieve the ball, and picked his spot. Eight minutes later, fellow defender Callum Chambers got in on the act. His first time effort from the edge of the area rocketed past a flat-footed Meslier. This was not the home debut Marsch was expecting from his squad, and with games running out fast, can he turn things around in time?

	Line Up		Nat	Match Events
		Meslier, Illan Goalkeeper
		Dallas, Stuart Defender
		Ayling, Luke Defender
		Struijk, Pascal Defender
		Firpo, Junior Defender
		Forshaw, Adam Midfielder
		Koch, Robin Defender
		Dias Belloli, Raphinha Midfielder
		Moreno, Rodrigo Forward
		Harrison, Jack Midfielder
		James, Daniel Midfielder
	Subs		Nat	Match Events
		Gelhardt, Joe Forward
		Bamford, Patrick Forward
		Klich, Mateusz Midfielder
		Klaesson, Kristoffer Goalkeeper		Unused Sub
		Llorente, Diego Defender		Unused Sub
		Cresswell, Charlie Defender		Unused Sub
		Summerville, Crysencio Midfielder		Unused Sub
		Greenwood, Sam Midfielder		Unused Sub
		Shackleton, Jamie Midfielder		Unused Sub

	References
	LEEDSTATS: Leeds United Season 2021/2022
	Sheridan Dictates: Season Statistics 2021-22
	Leeds United Programme Guide: Season 2021/22