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Premier League: Brad Guzan says Aston Villa's players are to blame for their poor form, not Paul Lambert

Aston Villa goalkeeper Brad Guzan
Image: Brad Guzan: Says Aston Villa's players and supporters need to stick together

Brad Guzan has defended under-fire Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert and urged frustrated fans to blame the players.

The travelling supporters called for Lambert's head for the second straight game as they lost 1-0 at Leicester on Saturday.

Villa have won just twice in 17 Premier League games and sit three points above the drop zone following Paul Konchesky's winner.

They are the lowest scorers in the top four divisions with just 11 goals in 21 games. Lambert is under increasing pressure, but Guzan insists it is not all his fault.

Us as players have to take responsibility and I know the fans are unhappy, we hear them during the game, but they need to realise it's a difficult moment and we need to stick together.
Brad Guzan

"When you go through difficult times everyone has got to take their criticism," the goalkeeper said. "The manager has been brilliant in defending us but we are the ones who have to score goals.

"He can't go and score for us, the assistant manager can't score for us, the goalkeeping coach can't score for us.

"Us as players have to take responsibility and I know the fans are unhappy, we hear them during the game, but they need to realise it's a difficult moment and we need to stick together.

"Regardless if they are unhappy with the manager or situation, we need to stick together because it's about the club.

"It's our job to defend, save shots, score, tackle, head pass - it's our job."

Patient style

Ciaran Clark was sent off - Villa's fourth red card in six league games – after clashing with Matty James, who was also dismissed, in injury time.

Villa had the majority of possession but failed to seriously test Ben Hamer yet Guzan insisted their new patient style will come good.

He said: "We can sit here and lump the ball forward, hope for the best and try to pick up second balls but who wants to watch that?

"We did that before and people weren't happy. Now we're keeping the ball and making teams defend and letting them chase around the pitch. We just need a little bit of magic to turn the corner."

Leicester boss Nigel Pearson was also under pressure during a 13-game winless run but he expects Villa to keep faith with Lambert.

"(The) last time I spoke to Paul was when I was in hot water for something that happened here (his row with a fan). We talk about it and aware of what happens at football clubs," he said.

"It can be very volatile, but you can't get distracted in what you believe in.

"Ultimately football clubs employ managers because they feel they are right to take the club forward and it is important for football clubs to stick with their managers.

"They have done with Paul and I would expect them to do so."

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