‘Awful’, ‘Shocking’ – some fans criticise Aston Villa man’s performance in WBA defeat

Lovre Kalinic had an afternoon to forget for Aston Villa after his side lost 2-0 to West Bromwich Albion. The Croatian shot-stopper may have felt he could have done better for Albion’s opening goal and then conceded a second before being substituted at half-time through injury – Jed Steer replace him.

Fans weren’t happy with his performance, however, and took to social media to give their thoughts on his 45-minute showing. The 28-year-old has conceded 12 goals and has kept only one clean sheet in seven Championship games for Villa since his January-move from KAA Gent.

Lovre Kalinic is 6 foot 7 and he’s letting the ball sail over his head like that for WBA’s first. Shocking. We’ve actually not played too bad but find ourselves 2-0 down at half time because quite simply we just cannot defend! Beyond frustrating! #AVFC

— Rob (@RobertEvansDJ) February 16, 2019

Kalinic 💩 how can a geezer get lobbed and he’s on his line and he’s 6ft 7! #avfc

— Aston Villa Updates (@AstonVilla_info) February 16, 2019

Is Kalinic so much better than Nyland? #avfc

— Thomas F (@SamhotF) February 16, 2019

Kalinic is an awful keeper isn't he. How he gets best from there. Poor positioning. #avfc

— Kaza (@pkaza84) February 16, 2019

Hause playing well too. Another positive
Kalinic looks shaky today. #avfc

— Kaza (@pkaza84) February 16, 2019

https://twitter.com/TheReaction11/status/1096824611524759553

Kalinic had bottled this #avfc

— LEE MɅLLINSON (@LeeMall83) February 16, 2019

Can someone explain how that first goal went in? Looked like Kalinic should have reached it? Actually thought we were better side until then. #avfc

— Foxy (@FoxyN77) February 16, 2019

Kalinic was signed as a result of Orjan Nyland’s fitness and poor form this season, but he’s struggled to make an impact early on. Villa’s defence remains porous and without protection and Dean Smith finds himself under immense pressure to put things right.

Villa’s defeat to West Brom left them 10^th in the Championship. Smith’s men are seven points adrift of the playoffs after 33 games and have picked up just one league win in their last nine. Their hopes of finishing in the top-six are in jeopardy unless they can turn their form around.