Express & Star

Dean Smith hails 'all-round performance' from Aston Villa striker Wesley

A delighted Dean Smith hailed Wesley after the £22million striker helped Villa get off the mark in the Premier League.

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The 22-year-old Brazilian netted his first goal since a big money summer move from Brugge to open the scoring in last night’s 2-0 win over Everton.

Smith had launched a robust defence of his player earlier in the week, after criticism of his early performances from the club.

And the boss said: “I thought this was an all-round performance from him.

“I am not so sure there was such a weight on his shoulders.

“He’s a good striker and I have said that right from the start. The No.9 shirt at Villa is a big shirt to carry. I am not sure he will understand why. But I thought he looked like an old-fashioned No.9 for Aston Villa.”

Wesley opened the scoring for Villa in the 21st minute and though Everton later hit the post through Alex Iwobi, Anwar El Ghazi sealed the points in the final minute of stoppage time.

It was Villa’s first Premier League victory since February, 2016.

“It wasn’t the perfect performance because they had a couple of chances but it is about as good as it gets,” said Smith.

“It was a tough game because they are a good team. I thought they started brighter than we did. The goal galvanised the whole stadium and there was an awful lot.

“It’s important to get the first win and that is the best thing about it. Our performances before had deserved points and that is all you can control. It was just about getting three points on the board.

“I guess I would have liked the second goal earlier. But with hindsight I’m glad we scored when we did because the atmosphere was up there with anything I have experienced here.

“It was important to get that win. I didn't think we were hanging on but you want to get over the line."