Overview
- The teammates collided in the opening minutes at Villa Park, prompting a lengthy stoppage for on-field treatment.
- Smith left with visible bleeding and was replaced by Alex Jimenez in the 10th minute after medics ruled him unfit to continue.
- Adams appeared disoriented when he stood up but completed the match after being cleared to continue.
- Fans and pundits, including Taylor Twellman, questioned the decision to keep Adams on the pitch following the head knock.
- Iraola said the injury was not used as an excuse for the 4-0 defeat to Aston Villa and indicated evaluations would continue.