Aston Villa's disappointing season took another blow yesterday as they were beaten at home by local rivals West Brom.

Two first half goals ensured it was a miserable afternoon for Dean Smith's men, who are now seven points adrift of the play-off spots.

After suffering keeper woes all season, Lovre Kalinic was the latest incumbent of an apparent curse on Villa stoppers. Robson Kanu's glanced header looped over him for the opener, with him conceding a second moments later.

As the half time whistle sounded, the giant Croat dropped to his knees, complaining of dizziness after a heavy challenge by Jake Livermore. Smith revealed post match that despite the collision, it wasn't to blame for the two goals.

"He got a knock on the head and he’s come from a league where the goalkeepers are more protected," Smith told Birmingham Live. “He was dizzy at half-time. I don’t think it was a factor in the goal. He was dizzy but I wouldn’t have put it down to that."

With regards to the opening goal, a looping effort that some have pointed the finger of blame at Kalinic for, Smith was quick to defend the Croat stopper.

“For me there’s no question mark over the goalkeeper on the first goal. I don’t think any goalkeeper is saving that, it’s looped over the top of a 6ft 7ins goalkeeper. No goalkeeper in the world would save it."

The injury is unlikely to rule him out for long, with Smith later telling the official club site; "I don't think it'll be one that keeps him out for long, but I need to speak with the medical team."

The Verdict

Losing Kalinic would be a huge blow for Villa, he's looked relatively comfortable in goal for them and seemingly brought to an end a search for a decent stopper.

His injury will be a concern, any whack on the head is, but in this day and age it's wise to bring a player off suffering from dizziness. It seems precautionary and they'll hope he's back in action as they try to fumble their way into the top six.