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.

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...

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