Aston Villa suffered yet another defeat which puts their Premier League status on the line. High-flying Manchester United proved to be too good for Dean Smith’s side as they smashed three past the home team.
Villa actually started the game well. Their passing game was good and they spent a good chunk of time in the final third. However, Bruno Fernandes’ picked up a lucky penalty and Smith wasn’t happy about it.
That changed the game completely and it was all Manchester United till the end. Smith’s post-match interview was always going to be interesting and the Villa boss didn’t hold back about the penalty decision.
He told Sky Sports: “We made a bright start, had some chances, they are always a threat on the counter but it all changed round on the penalty decision.”
“I can understand Jon (Moss, referee) getting it wrong but I don’t know what VAR are looking at – it’s a disgraceful decision. They have a screen they can go and look at it but they don’t seem to be bothered.”
“Anybody who has been in football knows Fernandes is trying a double drag back – his first touch is on the ball his second touch is on Ezri Konsa’s shin.”
The first goal was a huge dent to Villa’s chances but the second finished the game off before half-time. Villa are in serious trouble now, especially after Bournemouth gained some confidence with their draw against Spurs.
The Cherries leapfrogged Smith’s side to 18th place and the Villans’ chances of survival look bleaker than before.
Villa have Crystal Palace, Everton, Arsenal and West Ham still to play. None of those games will be easy but if they can somehow get to the final day still alive, they should fancy their chances against David Moyes’ struggling West Ham side.
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