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Dean Smith defends Wesley from criticism after he completes rout over Liverpool
Aston Villa manager Dean Smith has defended striker Wesley after he completed the scoring in the 5-0 thumping of Liverpool last night.
It was a strange night for Villa, hosting a shadow squad of young players which presented them with a huge opportunity to get into the semi-finals of the EFL Cup.
They made changes of their own and backup striker Jonathan Kodjia filled his boots with a hat-trick, before Wesley came off the bench to round the rout off.
And as per Villa’s official Twitter feed, Smith : “Some of the criticism can be a little bit harsh. You saw the reaction of the players when he scored.”
TBR’s View – Wesley has deserved criticism but will hope to gain confidence from last night
Last night went as well as could be expected for Villa; a comfortable win, which should boost the confidence of the players going into a crucial part of the season.
Kodjia will likely be the main beneficiary and it might have been more demoralising for Wesley if he hadn’t got on the scoresheet as well.
Wesley has been criticised by Villa fans and Stan Collymore in recent weeks for not offering enough goal threat at a time when the side has struggled – and that has been correct.
He has clearly struggled to adapt to English football and will hope that getting back on the scoresheet can get him back close to his best when Villa need him most.