OPINION
Aston Villa suffered one of their most deflating defeats of the season on Saturday as they fell 3-0 to Wigan Athletic at the DW Stadium.
It was a pretty shocking display all-round from Dean Smith’s side as they failed to match Wigan in any area of the pitch, and slipped to 12th in the table as a result.
If there was one area to pick out for criticism it would obviously be the defence, with three goals shipped in poor fashion to a Wigan side who have now won just two in 15.
One player in particular who put in a performance to forget was debutant Kortney Hause, who joined the club on loan from Wolves this month.
The 23-year-old powerhouse was subbed on after 63 minutes by Smith, but looked well off the pace for Villa as they conceded twice after his introduction in a nightmare debut.
While some Villa fans were quick to criticise Hause on social media, it is easy to forget that the youngster has hardly played any football this season, with just two EFL Cup appearances to his name.
That inevitably means it will take time for Hause to settle into a rhythm at Villa Park, and it may have been premature for Smith to introduce him so early after his signing.
Obviously the point of January signings is to make a difference to the ongoing season, and Hause will be able to do that, but Villa need to have a little patience with him.
His talent is undeniable, but being out of action for so long has consequences, and it will take some time for him to show that talent in Birmingham.