Despite a valiant first-half display, Aston Villa were unable to find a goal at St. James’ Park as Championship leaders Newcastle ran out 2-0 winners on Monday night.
A late first-half strike by Yoann Gouffran following a goalmouth scramble gave the hosts the lead going into the interval before Henri Lansbury’s own goal handed the Toon Army all three points.
Steve Bruce and Villa saw their winless run extend to nine games, losing eight and Rafa Benitez has offered some advice to the struggling Villa.
The Newcastle boss admitted he is convinced that Aston Villa are a very good side, but perhaps a lack of confidence is to blame for their recent run of poor form.
“I am convinced, they are a very good team. They have good players, they can pass, run. hold ball, and beat players one on one,” the Birmingham Mail quote Benitez as saying.
“Maybe now they don’t have confidence because football is a state of mind.”
Benitez has likened Villa to early season Newcastle when they got off to a rocky start, losing their opening two games, and he believes that like Newcastle, Villa have the quality to steady the ship.
“When you play two games a week, they are very physical. It’s difficult in the Championship so you have to have players with the right experience.
“I think we are doing well. At the beginning we lose two games but we react. They (Villa) have quality and experience. They will do it.”
Next up for Villa is the visit of Derby at Villa Park on Saturday.
