Ian Wright has claimed that Tyrone Mings was mostly to blame for the third goal that Aston Villa conceded last night.
Dean Smith’s side suffered a 3-1 defeat away to Arsenal.
Emile Smith Rowe killed the game as a contest early in the second half, firing past Emiliano Martinez to send the hosts three up.
Smith Rowe, who Aston Villa tried to sign this past summer, was allowed to gallop over 30 yards toward Martinez without much pressure from Mings, who wasn’t quick enough to get across to the Gunners star.
In the end, the 20-year-old’s effort deflected off the Villa centre-back’s foot and deceived Martinez.
He told Optus Sport: “Look at Mings. Look at him. For me, he has to come across. He’s got Konsa coming back with Aubameynag. He [Konsa] has him. He’s got to come across. He’s not done anything.”
Was Mings to blame?
In a word, absolutely.
Seconds before the goal, Mings looked to be in two mind over what to do.
The Villa powerhouse was jogging back originally, unsure whether to sprint toward Smith Rowe or not.
And in the end, that indecision cost Smith’s side because the England international is quick enough across the turf to cut out that danger.
On the whole, Aston Villa’s defence played like a team who shipped three goals in the final 10 minutes to lose 3-2 at home to Wolves last weekend.
There seemed to be a shortage of confidence but it’s up to leaders like Mings to draw a line under disasters like that and not let it fester.
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