Aston Villa head coach Dean Smith has told the Birmingham Mail that while it is a blow for West Bromwich Albion to lose Dwight Gayle, they will be able to cope without him.
Gayle certainly got all the headlines in the first leg of the play-offs. He got the opener with an impressive strike and it seemed like with that the Baggies were going to go on to victory. However Villa fought back and goals from Conor Hourihane and Tammy Abraham gave them the lead and the eventual win. West Brom’s situation was made worse with Gayle getting a second yellow card, thus sending him off and handing him a suspension for the return leg.
West Brom’s top scorer being out for the second leg is a big boost for Aston Villa and Smith has admitted that it is a huge blow for his opponents. But he also added that they are a very good side and would be able to cope with the loss of their star striker.
He said: “It will be unfortunate for them because hes a handful,”
“He’s a handful when we’ve got the ball as well because defenders have to be very bright on their rest defending because any clearance turns into a counter attack with him.”
“He’s a very good player so hell be a big loss for them. I think it will be a factor because he’s a good player.”
“At this level, I’ve said before, when he plays down the middle he can go and score 25/30 goals as he did with Newcastle a couple of years ago.”
“He’s a threat when you’ve got the ball as well because he’s such an outlet for them with his pace and trickery.”
“He’ll be a loss but they’ve got a strong squad so I’m sure they can deal with that loss.”
