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Dean Smith rages at Aston Villa's first-half against Watford as boss admits 'we helped them on their way' after 3-2 defeat in Premier League opener

Dean Smith tore into his Aston Villa players for giving Watford a helping hand as he likened their first-half performance to a friendly.

Villa were overwhelmed yesterday when first-half goals from Emmanuel Dennis and Ismaila Sarr left them an ‘uphill battle’ that they left too late to try and climb in the second half.

‘In the first half they were miles off it from where we need to be at this club,’ said Smith. ‘I told them that in no uncertain terms at half-time.

Dean Smith was furious with Aston Villa's performance in their Premier League opener

Dean Smith was furious with Aston Villa's performance in their Premier League opener

Watford went 3-0 ahead and the lead was too great for Aston Villa to complete a late fightback

'I won’t accept performances like that in the first half.