Dean Smith: Aston Villa unlucky to lose at Anfield
Dean Smith felt defeat was harsh on Villa after they were beaten at the death by Liverpool.
Trent Alexander-Arnold struck in stoppage time to earn the Reds a 2-1 victory at Anfield and dent Villa’s hopes of European football.
Villa had gone in front through Ollie Watkins’ 12th Premier League goal of the season before Mo Salah levelled for the hosts just before the hour mark.
Trezeguet then hit the post for the visitors, who looked the more likely team to snatch a winner before Alexander-Arnold drove home late on.
Smith said: “We were unlucky to come away with nothing.
“We are disappointed with the result. I felt we deserved a point. We had to make the most of those moments and unfortunately we didn’t.”
The boss admitted Villa were better in the second half than the first, when they gave away possession cheaply.
He added: “After 30 minutes I didn’t feel unlucky. I felt fortunate to still be at 0-0. We made mistakes with square passes in our own defensive third which enabled them to put a lot of pressure on us.
“Thanks to poor finishing from them and good defending from us we managed to stay level and from one of our first good moves scored a good goal.
“It was great to go in at half time having not played that great but leading.
“Football being the crazy game it is I thought we were better second half and ended up losing it 2-0.
“I thought we created some really good opportunities and overloads, hit the post too. I don’t think Emi (Martinez) was troubled that much.”
Villa have concerns over winger Trezeguet after he suffered a knee injury during the second half.
