Richards ‘positive’ Villa can survive

Aston Villa captain Micah Richards says the players must keep their heads high despite a 4-0 defeat to Everton.

The Midlanders followed a 0-0 draw at home to Manchester City with a battering at Goodison Park; they are anchored to the bottom of the table with only five points.

Even relegated QPR and Burnley had eight and 10 points respectively at this stage of last season.

“You have to keep your head held high. I am positive we can get out of this. We have to keep working hard,” said Richards.

“There are plenty more games to come. The manager has just come in and he is putting his philosophy across. We are still learning.

“We won’t be too down on ourselves. We have belief certainly. We have to look forward.”