Matt Targett must play ahead of Neil Taylor at Aston Villa

Add as preferred source on Google

Aston Villa could only manage a 2-2 draw with Burnley on Saturday.

Dean Smith’s side twice took the lead against the Clarets, and will have a lot of frustrations about not taking the three points.

Villa have previously squandered leads against Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal, and Smith has work to do with regards to changing the team’s mentality.

There were a lot of new faces through the door this summer at the club, and Smith is clearly still trying to work out his best setup.

One man who really ought to be part of the manager’s starting XI going forwards, is summer signing Matt Targett.

The 24-year-old made his league debut against Burnley but was forced off just after the hour mark to be replaced by Neil Taylor.

TBR’s view

Targett looked excellent during his time on the pitch against Burnley and fans will hope his injury is nothing too serious.

The former Southampton was undoubtedly one of Villa’s better performers, and Taylor looked very average in comparison after he came on to replace him.

Targett showed his quality crossing skills and often sought to get forwards, but never neglected his defensive responsibilities in what was a very encouraging display. Undoubtedly, the game changed when he went off.

The Englishman has to get the nod from Smith as the regular left-back going forwards, with Wales international Taylor having proven to be simply too error-prone and ineffective.