Alan Hutton: Aston Villa lacking confidence in front of goal
We’re delighted to welcome former Aston Villa full-back Alan Hutton as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Villa Park…
Alan Hutton feels that Aston Villa are lacking a cutting-edge in front of goal at the moment as Steven Gerrard’s side failed to score against ten-man Leeds United.
Gerrard’s men are among the lowest scorers in the Premier League and spurned a number of half chances at Elland Road.
Hutton believes that a lack of confidence from Villa’s attacking players is potentially having an impact, along with a lack of goals from midfield.
“It’s that clinical edge that they’re probably missing,” Hutton exclusively told Villa News.
“Particularly after the sending off they had a few decent chances, Watkins had a few half chances but couldn’t quite convert. Buendia had a good effort, I think it’s just that clinical edge and potentially missing a bit of confidence.
“Even goals from midfield, I don’t think there’s been enough, so it’s something Steven Gerrard will want to remedy and quickly because six goals in eight games is probably not enough.”
Villa have a huge opportunity to rectify their goalscoring woes when they travel to the City Ground to face rock bottom, Nottingham Forest, on Monday (10 October).
Steve Coopers’ side have endured a torrid start to the season on their return to the top flight conceding 21 goals and suffering a damaging defeat to Leicester in their last outing. If Villa cannot breach the deadlock against Forest then there will be real concerns for Gerrard moving forward.
In other Aston Villa news, Ace Matty Cash is now in contention to play against his former side