Aston Villa boss goes back to basics for elusive win - Luke Young

Apr 21 2009 by Mathew Kendrick, Birmingham Post

Aston Villa defender Luke Young has revealed that manager Martin O’Neill has adopted a ‘back to basics’ approach to ending their 11-game search for a victory.

Villa’s performance levels have improved significantly in their past three Premier League matches against Manchester United, Everton and West Ham United.

However, their first victory since the 2-0 away success at Blackburn Rovers on February 7 has continued to elude the division’s fifth-placed club in league and cup.

The poor run of results has prompted O’Neill to scrutinise Villa’s displays whereas the manager had a more relaxed outlook during their mid-season unbeaten run.

“Sometimes when you’re winning games you don’t watch too many videos, even when things are going wrong in the games,” said Young.

“They seem to get let by a bit when you’re winning.

“But when you start to lose a few on the bounce then there’s a few more inquests about why you’re doing this and that.

“I’ve seen it at a few clubs, when you lose a few games, a ‘let’s get back to basics mentality’ kicks in.

“Everything gets scrutinised a bit more, your timekeeping and putting your kit in the skips. We’re just trying to look for the next win.”

Young is convinced Villa can end their eight-match sequence without a league victory providing they maintain their professionalism on and off the pitch.