Many Aston Villa fans have reacted to an article by Birmingham LIVE writer Ashley Preece, who commended boss Dean Smith after the 2-0 defeat to Liverpool.
Sunday afternoon’s game at Anfield saw the Premier League champions face 18th placed Villa as the visitors desperately needed a result, continuing to sit in the bottom three.
The Villans held the Reds at bay until well into the second half. Sadio Mane’s opening goal, however, set the tone for Jurgen Klopp’s side, before young academy talent Curtis Jones settled things with a strike after coming on as a second half substitute.
Following the game, Preece gave his thoughts on Villa’s performance and despite not seeing the Claret and Blue outfit pick up a win since the restart of the Premier League, the much experienced journalist wrote:
“Since Restart began in mid-June, (Dean) Smith’s clearly got his act together in terms of defensive shape and limiting the opposition to very few chances.”
Sharing the article via his official Twitter, Preece jokingly added ‘*grabs tin hat*’, seemingly knowing how Villa fans would react.
Reasons for optimism from Anfield – despite #AVFC averaging a goal every 315 mins – as Dean Smith proves himself with Jack Grealish-inspired game plan *grabs tin hat* https://t.co/Lw2dqXX5XC
— Ashley Preece (@PreeceObserver) July 6, 2020
It is fair to say that many Villa fans remain unimpressed with Smith however, despite Preece’s comments. Indeed they argue that they are still not winning games – they have failed to win any of their last nine in the league – and remain in real danger of relegation.
Here is what some had to say…
People confusing just how poor Liverpool was with us playing well,we lost 2-0 to a poor Liverpool performance #utv
— Paul Linton (@PJLinton) July 6, 2020
Sorry Ashley just don’t see the reason to be optimistic. We played for a point and failed due to individual errors once again. We need to win games and when we try we will expose our woeful defence even more. I can’t see us winning one of our remaining games.
— Mark Ashmore (@mg_ashmore) July 6, 2020
He’s not proven anything until his team actually creates chances. Pointless tweet.
— Jordan J MacGeever (@j_macgeever) July 6, 2020
We have taken 2 points from a possible 27. The only thing Dean Smith has ‘proved’ is that he is totally incompetent
— Paul Gordon (@paul_gordonh) July 6, 2020
A goal every 315 minutes… Unbelievable stat!!
— Barry Scotton (@barryscotton) July 6, 2020
Ashley you are the voice of the fans, serious questions need to be asked about this forward line shambles. What on Earth were thinking buying a Swansea reserve forward in and no one with any Prem experience. It will cost millions when we are relegated, we cannot score goals
— Simon Mozza (@smozza1979) July 6, 2020
Do you think Dean Smith is the right man to continue as Villa boss? Let us know in the comments section below…
