Smith: I’m a scrapper, I can turn Villa around
Dean Smith has lost five league games in a row for the first time in his managerial career, and is now facing an uncertain future with Aston Villa ahead of the international break.
Smith’s position is under threat and 18 Premier League defeats this year, which takes them level with Southampton, is a record that places him under significant pressure.
Though Villa have injuries to key players and did respond with a spirited second-half performance, this is a wretched run which will lead to Smith’s job being reviewed by the club’s owners.
Southampton were outstanding in the first 45 minutes, with forward Adam Armstrong providing a blistering early finish to ultimately secure Ralph Hasenhuttl his third victory in four league matches.
The hosts could have been out of sight by the break and their energetic, vibrant performance would have been uncomfortable viewing for Smith and his coaching staff.
This was always likely to be a big month for Villa, and Smith is now facing an anxious wait to discover if he remains in charge for the home game against Brighton on Nov 20.
“I’m a scrapper, I always have been and I’m disappointed to lose five on the spin,” he said. “If I’m given time I’m confident we will turn it around with the squad we’ve got. We have five players injured and will get players fit in the international break and come back better.
“Five defeats seem to have come from nowhere a bit, the players feel they are letting themselves down.”
After taking their transfer spending to more than £300million this summer, owners Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens had targeted the top eight this season, despite the sale of talismanic captain Jack Grealish to Manchester City in August.
The nature of the recent defeats by Wolves, Arsenal and West Ham has triggered deep concern, and the first half at St Mary’s will have done
little to alleviate the pressure. It was the worst possible start, with Villa falling behind after just 135 seconds thanks to Armstrong’s devastating strike. The summer signing from Blackburn had failed to score from his previous 25 attempts in the league, but this was a thunderous effort from distance.
After Emiliano Buendia lost out on a 50-50 challenge on halfway, James Ward-prowse’s lofted pass was not properly cleared by Matty Cash, with Armstrong lashing the loose ball into the corner from 25 yards with his left foot.
Southampton could have increased their lead five minutes later when Stuart Armstrong was left unmarked at the back post. Villa escaped, with Armstrong slicing his shot horribly wide. Set-pieces were clearly a problem for Villa, which
begs the question as to how much of an effect set-piece specialist coach Austin Macphee is having.
Southampton were well on top, attacking with pace and emphasising how they remain a well-drilled team, even when results go awry.
Ward-prowse was clearly relishing the occasion after his call-up to the England squad, dominating midfield and underlining why Villa pursued him over the summer. He almost added the second goal in the 34th minute, but his drive was pushed away by Emiliano Martinez.
Villa were fortunate to avoid further damage when Anwar El Ghazi escaped a second caution, after first appearing to catch Tino Livramento in the face and then seemingly taking a dive in the Southampton penalty area. Hasenhuttl later claimed he should have “absolutely” been sent off.
Villa did improve in the second half, with Smith switching formation to a 4-4-2 and moving Leon Bailey up front with Ollie Watkins.
There was an immediate response, with El Ghazi testing Alex Mccarthy and Villa suddenly looking far more focused and dangerous. Buendia, the £33million record signing, was finally exerting his influence before he was taken off with cramp.
There was a predictable late flurry as they sought an equaliser,
with seven minutes of added time cranking up the tension, but Southampton remained resilient.
After a slow start to the season, Hasenhuttl is now looking ahead with optimism.
“It’s a very solid platform after a bad start,” he said. “Last season we conceded so many goals so the biggest challenge was to get more stable defensively. We have a fifth clean sheet this season, which is amazing, and an important three points.”
Southampton (4-4-2) Mccarthy 7; Livramento 7, Bednarek 7, Salisu 7, Walker-peters 7; Elyounoussi 6 (Diallo 77), Romeu 8, Ward-prowse 8, S Armstrong 7 (Lyanco 57); A Armstrong 7 (Broja 81), Adams 8.
Subs Forster (g), Long, Perraud, Djenepo, Tella, Walcott.
Booked Romeu, Salisu.
Aston Villa (4-2-3-1) Martinez 7; Cash 6, Tuanzebe 5, Mings 6, Targett 4; Nakamba 5 (J Ramsey 63), Mcginn 5; Bailey 3, Buendia 6 (Archer 71), El Ghazi 5 (Davis 79); Watkins 6. Subs Steer (g), Hause, Young, Carney Chukwuemeka, A Ramsey, Philogene-bidace.
Booked El Ghazi, Tuanzebe.
Referee Andrew Madley (West Yorkshire).