Dean Smith: I didn't see poor Aston Villa performance coming

Goals from Courtney Baker-Richardson, Nathan Dyer and Jay Fulton saw then Swans record a comfortable victory as Villa exited the competition at the third round stage for the third season running.

And Smith admitted: “I didn’t see it coming.

“It’s the first performance I’ve really had from the lads where they didn’t show enough commitment, effort, desire, energy, whatever you want to call it. I had to tell them that as well.

“I’ve not seen them show that lack of energy before.”

Baker-Richardson opened the scoring in the second minute and though Villa went close to an equaliser through Scott Hogan, they were second best for much of the afternoon.

Smith made six changes to the team which drew 2-2 with QPR on New Year’s Day and saw his decision to substitute Callum O’Hare in the second half drew boos from sections of the home crowd.

Asked if he was surprised by the reaction, Smith replied: “No, not at all. The reason why I took him off is because I’ve seen when a crowd can turn here.

“I don’t want a young lad subjected to that in his first game under me.

“The kid did nothing wrong. I wanted to change into a 4-4-2, that’s why I took him off.

“He’s a talented player and was unfortunately not protected by more senior players today.”

While clearly frustrated by his team’s display, Smith also questioned the performance of the officials after Swansea skipper Leroy Fer escaped caution for a poor challenge on the returning Neil Taylor.

He said:“Fer could have had five cautions today and it wasn’t until the 91st minute that he was given one.

“Neil has just come back from injury and he gets one right down his shin and ankle.

“So yes, I’m asking questions. He (Fer) has created a good pass for the second goal and a good bit of skill for the third but I’m amazed he was still on the pitch.”