A group of Aston Villa supporters have been discussing a Sky Sports graphic shared on Twitter by @Total_Villa highlighting the team’s defensive statistics. The caption reads: “I’ve just come across this… I don’t think it’s any coincidence that we’re in the relegation zone.”
The graphic includes a number of measures and where the Villans rank in comparison to their competitors and it makes worrying reading, they rank no higher than 19th in any of the specified areas. Dean Smith’s side currently occupies the 19th position in the Premier League having played 28 games in the top-flight and face the possibility of being relegated straight back to the Championship.
Here is how some of the Villa Park faithful have responded to the post.
Begs the question…what is JT’s role at the club?
— chris darlaston? (@cdarl67) May 21, 2020
Speaks for itself doesn’t it
— Kevin Jennings (@NorthDevonchap) May 21, 2020
Hate to say it because I like Smith but he can’t coach at this level.
— Steve Calvert (@SteveCa07840280) May 21, 2020
No the table doesn’t lie. We knew it was always going to be a difficult season and so it’s proven. Tuanzebe was a big loss for us. A very long way to go to being the Villa I want to see controlling matches. Smith deserves the job, but has to improve on stats
— Gary Pearce (@gazapearce) May 21, 2020
Defensively we’ve been a disaster, shipping 2 goals or so every game. That has to change. Let’s hope this break allows a defensive re-focus.
— Paul Tomlinson (@PaulTomlinsonn) May 21, 2020
Is Dean Smith out of his depth in the Premier League?
Yes
No
We have been woeful all season. Love Smith but seems completely out of his depth in the prem. Hopefully now he is a bit more up to speed.
— Roger (@BarlowInBrazil) May 21, 2020
Our championship side would of done better
— ?ANDREW? ?????????? (@Villa19UTV) May 21, 2020
What do we think?
The Premier League clubs voted unanimously to return to small group training earlier this week, the first real sign of the season possibly resuming. One thing is for sure, that when football does return Smith’s men will need to tighten up defensively to stand any chance of avoiding the drop.