Aston Villa’s point-a-game start to their new First Division career has already provided enough evidence that they are capable of holding their own against the best clubs in the land. They have taken seven points so far and promising players like Keith Leonard, John Gidman and Bobby McDonald are showing signs of making a big impact.

Leonard, who four years ago was playing as an amateur with Highgate United in the Midland Combination, has made the biggest strides. His 89th minute powerfully-headed goal was a fitting climax to a superb 90 minutes in which he tested and then exploited Arsenal’s twin central defenders, the experienced Terry Mancini and the talented David O’Leary. The 25-year-old striker, who suffered a badly twisted knee which makes him doubtful for Wednesday’s UEFA Cup-tie in Antwerp, won praise and a telling off from Villa manager Ron Saunders for his display.

“Keith is improving with every game and I feel sure that he can only get better as the season proceeds,” said a happy Saunders.

“But I was annoyed that he did not have the sense to report his injury at half-time, when we might have been able to patch him up.

“His trouble is that he is just too keen.”

Even so, Leonard’s non-stop efforts and his linking with Sammy Morgan were valuable and encouraging signs for Villa.

Keeping in touch

Morgan, making his First Division debut. proved his worth with his continual harassment of Arsenal’s defenders and in particular, goalkeeper Jimmy Rimmer. He collided at full-speed with Rimmer after play had been in progress for just 30 seconds and earned a stern rebuke from referee Reg Matthewson, whose handling of the game was commendable.

Rimmer exonerated Morgan from all blame afterwards, even though the big Irish striker up-ended him a further time in a rumbustious first half.

“Sammy has his job to do and I have mine. All goalkeepers know they have to be alert when he is around,” said Rimmer.

Villa again made a slow start but after the interval Villa were well on top and the stylish Gidman and Graydon combined cleverly for Leighton Phillips to score the first goal in the 75th minute. It was from Graydon’s fine, late centre that Leonard sealed the result.
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*Birmingham Daily Post”
Monday, 15 September 1975

Leonard doubtful for Antwerp trip

Keith Leonard, Aston Villa’s leading scorer, is extremely doubtful for the club’s first ever competitive invasion of Europe against Royal Antwerp on Wednesday because of a badly twisted right knee.

Leonard was injured after ten minutes of the First Division clash with Arsenal on Saturday, when goalkeeper Jimmy Rimmer fell heavily on his outstretched knee.

Leonard, who has scored four goals this season, had an injection after the game and reported back for further treatment to Villa Park yesterday.

But he said last night: “My knee has swollen even more and I can scarcely move it at all. I think I must now be a very dubious starter for Wednesday.

“There will have to he some considerable improvement if I am going to play. I am very disappointed and I am just hoping that I haven’t damaged the ligaments.”

Debut

The injury to Leonard is not the only blow to Villa’s hopes of making their debut UEFA cup tie in Belgium a winning affair. Brian Little (ankle) and Frank Carrodus (sore shins), who both missed the Arsenal fixture, are making only slow progress while Chico Hamilton is suffering with a heavy cold.

Ron Saunders, Villa’s manager, said: “The Injury situation is worrying, I’m just hoping that the picture will be brighter in 24 hours’ time.”

Meanwhile, Leonard has an important date with the club’s doctor today to decide whether his chances of playing would be improved by draining the fluid from his damaged knee.

However there was some good news for Villa. Antwerp suffered their first League defeat of the season yesterday being beaten 4-0 at home by Lierse. They have dropped from first to third place in the Belgium League table.