Ty: Break will come MINGS’ PLEA TO PALS
TYRONE MINGS has called for unity in the aftermath of Aston Villa’s defeat to Southampton – their fifth loss in a row.
Adam Armstrong’s early strike was enough for the Saints to earn a 1-0 win at St Mary’s on Friday night.
But England defender Mings, 28, insists the club is strong enough to get through the crisis which has ramped up the pressure on boss Dean Smith.
“We’re hurting and we know everyone associated with this club is too,” he said.
“Togetherness has always been the foundation of any success we’ve had. We must keep that, especially in the tough times.”
Smith insists he can turn around Villa’s fortunes if he is afforded time, pointing out some of his key players are sidelined by injury.
He said: “I am very confident if given time that we will turn it around with the squad we have got, and the players we have got coming back.
“I think we have got a strong squad here. At the moment we are struggling a little bit with injuries.
“Five defeats seems to have come form nowhere a little bit. There have been some tight games, poor decisions go against us, but the lads left everything out there.”
Smith felt his side did not play with enough intensity in the first half but is happier with his team’s performances in defeats to West Ham and Southampton than in the game before that at Arsenal.
While Villa’s struggles continued, a third win in four moved Southampton to within three points of the top six.
Armstrong’s first goal since the opening day of the season was enough to seal the victory, leaving manager Ralph Hasenhuttl in good spirits.
“I am really happy,” he said. “This is a fantastic result for us and again a clean sheet.
“In the first half we played very good and in the second half the opponent put pressure on us and we were struggling to control the game.
“I think we have shown a few good games this season but the early goal helps you definitely and the balance of risk we took in some areas was OK.
“You feel the confidence as a player after the last few results and if you don’t concede goals one can be enough to win.”