Villa chief savours royal flush in Canaries’ demolition job

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge along with Prince George and Princess Charlotte spotted during the Premier League match at Carrow Road. Picture: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd (Image: Paul Chesterton)

The Villans served up a five-star display at Carrow Road for Prince William and his young family, who enjoyed their day far more than the home fans sat around them in the South Stand.

"I've been told he was here. I'll have to get him a ticket for the next game as well," joked Smith. "We'll certainly get them some tickets to make sure they're still coming. It's great to have supporters like that. It gives everyone a boost. Have I met him? This is our future King we're talking about. He's been to a few games. That's my first league game he's been to, but obviously he was at the play-offs."

Villa dominated from start to finish with a clear intent to press Daniel Farke's depleted side.

"It was a really good performance and result. It was a little bit too end to end for me in the first half, they've got good forward players and we had to be alert," said Smith.

"They were really good goals, our tactical discipline was really good. They've got a philosophy which they stick to and we felt there were opportunities to win the ball back in their half.

"It says a lot when we come away from home and out best player was our holding midfielder, (Marvelous) Nakamba, who I thought was everywhere. We watched him a lot at Brugge. We looked at him in January.

"He's a really good all-round player, a Champions League player. A terrific player and, all in all, a terrific guy as well.

"When Jack (Grealish), (Anwar) El Ghazi, and Wesley went hunting for the ball in behind them two or three goals came from that in the second half. They kept their discipline behind the ball.

"Our performances have been there. That result is probably what we've deserved in the last few weeks. It's one game at a time like we've always said."

Wesley notched a brace but saw Michael McGovern deny him from the penalty spot.

"He's a young player, 22, he's come all the way from Brazil, he's a long way from his family, he's played in Belgium and Slovakia but now he's in the Premier League and he has a big price tag on his shoulders," added Smith.