Villa claim vital point to banish barren run

ASTON VILLA 0
SOUTHAMPTON 0

Aston Villa ended a difficult week with a welcome point against Southampton.

A run of four Premier League defeats in a row had sucked Paul Lambert’s team backed towards the relegation zone, but the goalless draw at Villa Park gave them a little bit more breathing space.

It provided some relief for Lambert, who was without his long-time assistants Ian Culverhouse and Gary Karsa following their suspension by the club. The Villa manager, who was helped out by Gordon Cowans and Shay Given, refused to give any details on the situation at his press conference this week, citing the ongoing investigation.

Southampton are also in a poor run of form, having lost three of their previous four games and this match will not live long in the memory.