Alan Hutton says Villa ‘need reinforcements’ after damning statistic

Aston Villa conceded 46 goals (1.2 per game) and kept 15 clean sheets (0.4 per game) in 38 Premier League games last season, but they’ve conceded 46 goals (1.5 per game) in 31 league games this campaign, keeping nine clean sheets (0.3 per game), so it appears they’re in a decline.

The Villans conceded three or more goals on six occasions last season (16%) but have done it eight times (26%) in seven fewer games this campaign. Tyrone Mings and Ezri Konsa have come in for fierce criticism too, so Alan Hutton believes Steven Gerrard will bring in competition at the back this summer.

He told Football Insider: “I think (defence) is somewhere Gerrard will look to strengthen. Defensively, it’s not being good enough and I think reinforcements are needed.” Villa brought in Calum Chambers from Arsenal in January but could upgrade Kortney Hause if he’s sold in the coming months.

The 26-year-old has been short of playing time this season and may need to leave for more opportunities. Hause’s exit would require Gerrard to replace him and Villa have been linked with Liverpool’s Joe Gomez among others.

It remains to be seen who they end up bringing in, however, as a move for a defender may require one to leave first.

In other news, Noel Whelan says Steven Gerrard could ‘get rid’ of Emiliano Buendia