A helping paw? Aston Villa striker Wesley has fans in stitches by walking out for Leicester loss hand-in-hand with lion mascot

  • Aston Villa were thumped 4-1 by Leicester in the Premier League on Sunday 
  • Villa striker Wesley has been misfiring and has not scored in his last eight games 
  • The Brazilian was seen holding club mascot Bella's hand as he entered the pitch
  • Bella the Lion did not bring Wesley any luck as his goal drought continued 

Misfiring Aston Villa striker Wesley caught fans' attention on Sunday as he took to the pitch with club mascot Bella moments before Villa's emphatic 4-1 loss to Leicester City.

While Tyrone Mings & co entered the field with young fans, the Brazilian was left to hold the hand of Bella the Lion at the back of the queue before the game. 

Unfortunately for the 22-year-old, Bella was unable to bring the striker any luck as his goalscoring drought was extended to eight games, while Villa hover just above the Premier League relegation places.

Aston Villa striker Wesley had fans in stitches as he walked on the pitch with Bella the Lion

Aston Villa striker Wesley had fans in stitches as he walked on the pitch with Bella the Lion

And fans took to social media to remark on the odd sight before the game. @HentonNathan said: 'Managing to hold Bella's hand was the best touch he had all game' while @VillaMad3 said: 'Best thing he did all day'. 


Villa boss Dean Smith insisted he was happy with Wesley's performances this season, although he admitted the Brazilian needs to be more consistent going forward.

The Brazilian has been misfiring for Villa of late and has gone eight games without a goal

The Brazilian has been misfiring for Villa of late and has gone eight games without a goal

Unfortunately for the 22-year-old Bella was unable to give luck as Villa were thumped 4-1

Unfortunately for the 22-year-old Bella was unable to give luck as Villa were thumped 4-1

Fans took to Twitter and said that it was Wesley's best contribution on another poor day out

Fans took to Twitter and said that it was Wesley's best contribution on another poor day out

Wesley this season 

Games: 16 

Minutes played: 1,380

Goals: 4

Assists: 1

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'We're quite happy with his performances, he's had some really good games,' he said. 'What we're looking for is a more consistent level.' 

'Aerially in the week at Chelsea he won 12 out of 15 duels. What he's not doing is getting on the end of crosses. But his all round game is okay.

'There's no complaints in the dressing room or coaching room, the only thing to add is more goals.'

Bella and male counterpart Hercules have long been the club mascots at Villa Park.  

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