Aston Villa have endured a miserable start to the season and the dressing room has called for unity
Aston Villa defender Tyrone Mings
Aston Villa defender Tyrone Mings
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Aston Villa leaders John McGinn and Tyrone Mings have experienced both the highs and lows of the club’s journey from the Championship to the Champions League.
Both remain integral parts of the squad, some seven years after joining Villa, and have amassed a combined 481 appearances for the club during that time.
Despite reaching the Champions League quarter-finals last season and finishing sixth in the Premier League, Villa were unable to strengthen in the summer transfer market.
That, among other factors, has seen the club’s progress under Unai Emery stall at the start of this season, with the side failing to win any of their opening five matches or score in any of their four league games.
Mings and McGinn have both admitted that Villa’s start to the campaign simply hasn’t been good enough but have also called for unity, noting that the club has been through worse.
Speaking after Villa’s defeat to Crystal Palace, Mings said: “I have seen some tough times at this club, and this isn't necessarily one of them. Now is the time to stick together.
“I would love to tell you why our start to the season is so poor. Again, it is for us to stay calm and act as professionally as possible.”
Then, after the 0-0 draw at Everton, McGinn took to social media, posting: “A rough start to the season that we are working hard to put right. This can only be done by becoming stronger and together as one!”
The skipper also called for unity last month, insisting: “We know we are still a very good team. It is very easy to start panicking and changing what we have built over the past few years. We need to stay strong.”
This weekend’s opponents, Sunderland, have held their own on their return to the top flight, winning both of their home matches against West Ham and Brentford before earning a draw at Crystal Palace last weekend.
What has been the main reason for Villa's poor start? Tell us here
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