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Dean Smith has defended Aston Villa goalkeeper Orjan Nyland after reasoning that four of Nottingham Forest’s five goals were unstoppable.

To concede five goals in a single match isn’t exactly a glowing endorsement for any keeper, despite the fact Villa still emerged with a result of sorts in a highly competitive encounter.

Nyland hasn’t had the smoothest of starts to life in England; indeed Mile Jedinak’s hospital pass in the 3-2 victory over Wigan in August - Nyland’s full debut - didn’t allow for an immediate settlement.

Smith, though, can see improvement seeping in, thanks in part to the arrival of goalkeeping coach Neil Cutler, and deemed the criticism that the Norwegian has received as harsh.

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“I think the focus has been on him from the start of the season, which it always is when a new goalkeeper comes in. I can only comment on what I have seen since I have been here,” Smith said.

“Yes, he has had a couple of hairy moments, where he has spilled a couple of crosses. But I can honestly say since Neil Cutler has come in and been working with him, I have seen a lot of confidence in him.

“I think the players have got a lot of confidence in him now. I was stating a fact when I said that they had five shots on target and scored five goals.

“Four of those I don’t think he had any chance with. I look at Derby’s goal Wednesday night, a free-kick, I don’t see massive questions raised about [Jack] Butland at the moment.”

Indeed Nyland, who arrived from Ingolstadt in the summer, had previously kept clean sheets against Derby, Bolton and Swansea under the management of Smith.

Generally, the former Brentford boss is encouraged that he is beginning to get to grips with English football and the demands of being at Villa after an uncertain beginning.

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“As I said then, you can break the [Forest] goals down individually. I know there has been a lot of criticism for a our goalkeeper but he doesn’t have a chance for the first three goals,” Smith continued.

“They are big chances for any team and I would expect us to score them against any goalkeeper. The fourth one, you analyse it and see where it has gone into the net.

“The one Orjan will probably be disappointed with his the fifth one, even though it takes a flick off Axel’s heel. It was a tough one to react for but you don’t want to see it go in.

“Up until then, Derby County, he has pulled off great saves and looked more commanding. I think the criticism is harsh.”