Aston Villa’s league campaign began in positive fashion with a narrow victory against Bournemouth. Since then, however, the only positives for the team have come in the League Cup.
They have suffered three consecutive matches without a win in the league. Despite this poor form, Villa were able to turn around and secure a 1-0 win against archrivals Birmingham City in the third round of the League Cup. Manager Tim Sherwood says that the team must use this result as a boost in the coming games. Villa have flirted with relegation over the last couple of seasons and Sherwood will want to avoid a repeat of the same at all costs.
However, just one win from the opening six games does not make for a good reading. Villa have not been helped by the fact that key players like Christian Benteke were sold in the summer. The Belgian international was a major factor in keeping the club in the league last season. He was one of the top scorers in the second half of the campaign. Now, though, Villa are not sure where the next goal will come from. Rudy Gestede has been the only striker in the squad to have scored. He has just one goal in six appearances.
“It’s a good confidence boost. I believe that points tally-wise we haven’t got what we have deserved this season.The performances have been encouraging with a new group of players.You can take the West Brom game out of that. But even then it’s fine margins.Brad Guzan is picking up the ball and Saido Berahino gets a flick on it.But it’s about wins. I know the fans are interested in wins.They are not dissecting the game like I do every week.It’s a victory – and one in a derby,” said Sherwood.
