Dean Smith: Aston Villa will fight to the last

Villa appeared to be closing in on a crucial victory before Theo Walcott’s 87th minute equaliser forced them to settle for a result which leaves them three points from safety.

Smith, who described his players as “devastated” at the final whistle, admitted Villa will now likely have to win their final two matches, against Arsenal and West Ham, to stand any chance of beating the drop. But the boss is refusing to give up hope.

He said: “I know we are not out of it. I can see the fight in the players. Since lockdown I have been consistent in what I have been saying about the performances.

“Our defensive organisation has been good and we have merited more wins than we have got. I think we could have had at least three or four wins.

“Unfortunately we have been just a little bit lacking in the final third. We scored a set piece goal but missed a few chances we would probably have put away before lockdown.

“The players are a resilient bunch and I felt we would get stronger as the season went on. We had a lot of change in the summer. We have got better. There are a lot of players who are playing well and that gives you hope to go and win the last two games.”

Ezri Konsa’s first Premier League goal put Villa ahead with 18 minutes remaining before Anwar El Ghazi missed a huge chance to double the lead, firing over from close range.

Walcott’s looping header, which Konsa was unable to keep out on the line, then earned the Toffees a point.

“It was a big chance for Anwar,” said Smith. “It's one that should probably go in the back of the net, but it doesn't.

"Unfortunately they go up the other end and I think Theo (Walcott) is heading it back across goal which makes it even more disappointing.

"I think Ezri puts it over the line. We need to do more to stop the cross and show a bit more composure in the last eight minutes.

“We went all out to win this game and did enough to win it.

“Unfortunately a lapse of concentration and not making the most of our opportunities have cost us.

“Most people who watched the game would say we deserved the three points. Unfortunately we have probably been saying that a little too much. We have not got the quality in the final third we had before lockdown.”