Guzan wants Villa to start better

Goalkeeper Brad Guzan has called on his Aston Villa team-mates to stop giving opposing teams a head start.

US-born Guzan has conceded goals in the opening 10 minutes in three of Villa’s past four Premier League matches.

Despite a poor run of form, Guzan maintains that confidence at Villa Park is ‘sky high’, but admits they need to begin games better after their draw 2-2 with Swansea, which saw both an early goal and one in injury time for their opponents.

“Every time we step on the pitch we need to stop giving teams a 1-0 head start 10 minutes into the game,” Guzan told the Express and Star.

“We have to find a way to continue to go from the first minute to the 90th minute.

“We know the types of performances that we can put together as a team and now it is time to find that consistency.

“That will help us pick up points along the way because the quality we have in the dressing room, regardless of age, is there.

“Now it is about sticking together and building on that result against Swansea.

“It was not the start we wanted but, at the same time, it says a lot about our character that we were prepared to fight.

“We know we need to continue to work and get better as a team and we’re not denying that. WE know this is a step in the right direction and something for us to build on.

“The confidence and belief we have in each other is sky high. We know it’s not easy but we are up to the task and we crack on.”