Aston Villa manager Dean Smith answered questions in regards to his tactical system following the defeat to Arsenal on Friday evening.
As to be expected, his comments - which were shared by reliable reporter Ashley Preece on Twitter - had a number of Villa fans talking on social media.
Smith once again went with three centre-backs but appeared to tweak a 3-5-2 formation to a 5-3-2. He first changed from a back four in September, with the formation earning wins over Everton and Manchester United, but they came away with nothing against Chelsea, Tottenham, Wolves and now Arsenal.
Mikel Arteta’s side dominated at the Emirates Stadium and ran out 3-1 winners, with Smith facing questions about his tactics after the game.
Talking to the media, as relayed by Preece on Twitter, the 50-year-old appeared to blame the lack of players available over the use of his system.
He raged: "It's not about systems. We haven't had players available. We came away from Old Trafford three games ago & everyone's thinking it's a great system. We lose a few games & everyone thinks it's a terrible system. That's the world I'm in. We didn't do the basics right."
Villa fans react
Preece’s post late on Friday evening had these Villa fans talking, with many not happy and one labelling Smith's discontent as 'very worrying'.
“uh oh, this is the beginning of the end imo”
“Oh dear, sounds like Bruce.”
“I’m not Smith out yet but this is very worrying”
“sorry but if this doesn't tell you that he's losing it idk what will”
“Ergh this isn’t good. He’s starting to turn on the fans and force excuses.”
“he’s moaning at the fans now, get him gone”
In other news: Stinging 3/10 verdict for Villa star who lost the ball 15 times v Arsenal