Aston Villa lifted themselves out of the Premier League relegation zone with a 2-1 win over Burnley at Turf Moor.
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Goals from Wesley and Jack Grealish secured Dean Smith’s men the three points which could prove pivotal in their fight for survival.
They had to overcome an incredibly tight VAR decision to disallow a Grealish goal in the first half, which didn’t please many of their fans.
That win came at a heavy cost, with the club revealing that both Tom Heaton and Wesley will miss the remainder of the season with knee injuries.
Wesley’s injury, in particular, has been highlighted after he was on the receiving end of a crunching tackle from Clarets centre half Ben Mee. Indeed, losing him for a long time will be a blow considering he’s the club’s second top goalscorer this season but also the fact he wins the most aerial duels per game (3.3, via WhoScored) of any attacking player, suggesting Dean Smith will be without a crucial physical presence in the second half of the season.
It’s not the first time Mee has been involved in an incident like this, after one of his tackles left Liverpool’s Joe Gomez with a fractured leg.
Villa fans were furious with the challenge, here’s how some of them reacted when Belgian journalist Kristof Terreur relayed the news on Twitter via HLN :
And no card at all for tackle?!?! Unbelievable
— Al Phillips (@secugoheels) January 2, 2020
Next frame on….horrid, uncontrolled challenge. Feel sorry for Wes pic.twitter.com/hPDBajNcLq
— Villa / Brazen (@VillaFansUnited) January 2, 2020
Ben Mee damaged his crucial ligaments not Wesley. Awful tackle and yes his season is over.
— Mattskidoodle (@MattFoo7) January 2, 2020
Horrible tackle. Finally seemed like he was fitting in and his season is over. Such a shame. Club really needs a new top striker now though. You heard anything about Bats in Belgium? Cheers!
— Chrsmo (@Chrsmo) January 2, 2020
Ben mee should be out as long as Wesley does. That’s a proper sanction.
— Igor Beleza (@Igor_Beleza) January 2, 2020
Horrendous tackle, but its ok VAR is used for thick leather on the heel of a boot…..
— Craig Carver (@CraigCCarver) January 2, 2020
Just how big a blow is this? Join the discussion by commenting below…
