The key quotes from Dean Smith following 2-1 home loss to Brighton

Dean Smith spoke to the media after Villa's dissapointing 2-1 loss at home to Brighton.

By Daniel Morgan21 November 2020 21:25 BST

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 21: Ross Barkley of Aston Villa leaves the game in the first half with an injury during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Brighton & Hove Albion at Villa Park on November 21, 2020 in Birmingham, United Kingdom. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Matthew Ashton - AMA/Getty Images)

Dean Smith's Aston Villa suffered a frustrating 2-1 home loss to Brighton.

Despite losing, Smith felt his side weren't terrible this afternoon upon their return from the international break:

"We weren't bad" Smith insists

"We weren't great but we weren't bad" stated Smith, who then went on to suggest it wasn't just about the international break - as everyone's in a similar situation: "It's been a bit of a microwaved plan to prepare for today but it's the same for everyone,".

Barkley's injury worry

Ross Barkley came off after only five minutes holding his hamstring for Bertrand Traore, despite the forced change early on both Villa and Smith remain hopeful that Barkley will return to action sooner rather than later:

"He felt his hamstring and we'll get it scanned. He seems fairly hopeful it won't be too long".

"At a loss" over VAR decision

Late on in the game Trezeguet was brought down within the box by Brighton's Solly March, referee Michael Oliver initially awarded the penalty... but decided to overturn his decision after consulting with his pitch side monitor:

"I'm at a loss to explain it. I thought VAR is there for clear and obvious. Everyone heard the follow-through in the stadium. My players said it was a penalty. I'd have been aggrieved if it went against me".

Villa's next test will be away from home against West Ham, Smith's men will be aiming for more points on the board to maintain their impressive start to their Premier Leauge campaign.