Jack Butland was linked with a big-money move to Aston Villa over the summer, but many Villa fans are now glad that didn’t happen.
The Stoke City goalkeeper had a night to forget, as he made two big errors that led to goals, with the Potters losing 3-1 in the North West.
Villa were quoted over £30 million for Butland, but it now looks like Dean Smith made the right call to sign Tom Heaton from Burnley for a considerably smaller fee.
Many Villa fans on social media were breathing a sigh of relief and reacting to the performance.
Rob believes Villa made a lucky escape when they decided not to sign the England international.
Twitter: Glad we didn’t sign Butland… #butterfingers #AVFC (@Real_Rob_Warner)
Gary is confused as to why many Villa fans are getting onto the former Birmingham City man’s back.
Twitter: Confused to why some of our fans are laughing at the downfall of Butland. A young talented England goalkeeper going… https://t.co/HHHF3WQXpq (@GarySmithJnr)
@Dips_avfc believes Villa have dodged a massive bullet in Butland.
Twitter: Looks like we dodged an atom bomb with Jack Butland #avfc (@Dips_avfc)
Mark believes avoiding Butland was the best bit of business Villa did this summer.
Twitter: Best bit of business we did this summer is not sign butland. He’s been at fault for a goal in 3 games this season a… https://t.co/WsJRSCBUWA (@brookesy16)
Ben jokes that Butland would have just joined Villa’s amazing history of recruiting solid keepers.
Twitter: Phew, buying Butland would have ruined our impeccable record in recruiting keepers. #avfc (@somename312)
Read Aston Villa’s Verdict
Jack Butland certainly looks like his mind is elsewhere after that performance.
The huge fees being demanded by Stoke over the summer now look laughable after his start to the season, with the lad’s confidence looking completely shot.
Whilst at Stoke, his England chances look all but dead, with Gareth Southgate surely not turning to a keeper so out of form as Butland is.
Tom Heaton may have conceded five in two to start off his Villa career, but even he looks a more solid option than Butland at this point.
