Wesley’s injury against Burnley will have been seen as a big blow for Aston Villa, but it was an opportunity for Jonathan Kodjia to show Dean Smith what he can do.
He hasn’t had too many opportunities this season, making just six substitute appearances in the Premier League.
Fans have been calling for the Ivory Coast international to start more games, but he failed to show that he warrants that backing after entering the field of play in the 2-1 victory.
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In the 19 minutes that he was on the pitch, the 30-year-old’s decision making and application were poor, as indicated by his 29% pass success rate.
Considering the lack of time he had on the pitch, it could have been expected that he would be full of energy for the duration, but that wasn’t the case as he looked laboured and rusty.
He won three of his four aerial duels, but some of the 30-year-old’s hold up play was sloppy, one example being when the ball bounced off his chest and out for a Burnley throw.
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Villa have been linked with a move for another striker by The Athletic, claiming the club will look for a versatile forward who can be signed on loan.
This performance, in addition to the Brazilian’s injury, indicates that the club needs to follow through with the proposed transfer strategy.
It can be argued that would be the case even if Wesley wasn’t injured, as he went 12 games without a goal before netting on Wednesday, but the injury only accentuates the need for more firepower.
Villa may be out of the relegation zone thanks to the three points earned at Turf Moor, but they are certainly still in a fight to maintain their Premier League status.
Smith needs players that he knows can be relied upon, especially up front, something that Kodjia didn’t show against Burnley.
In other news, FFC has suggested that Villa proposed transfer could be foolish.