Although Aston Villa currently sit 13th on the Premier League table, their season has not gone as expected.
After starting the season earning 10 of a possible 12 points, manager Paul Lambert was given a contract extension.
[ RELATED: Latest Premier League standings ]
Then, the Villans went on a run that saw the club lose five straight matches, all without scoring a goal.
Villa has played better football since that terrible run in September and October, but have still had trouble scoring with a measly 11 goals in 21 matches, worst in the Premier League.
[ RECAP & HIGHLIGHTS: Leicester City 1-0 Aston Villa ]
After losing to bottom-dwelling Leicester City over the weekend, USMNT goalkeeper Brad Guzan came out to defend his manager who has taken a lot of heat from supporters and the media.
The manager has been brilliant in defending us but we are the ones that have to score goals. He can’t go and score for us, the assistant coach can’t score for us, the goalkeeping coach can’t score for us. Us as players have to take responsibility.
I know the fans are unhappy, we hear them during the game, but they need to realize it’s a difficult moment for the players and the fans but we need to stick together.”
Despite sitting towards the middle of the table, Villa is still only four points clear of the relegation zone. Had it not been for some of the great play in net by Brad Guzan, and Villa would likely find themselves further down the standings.
[ RELATED: Saturday’s Premier League roundup ]
While Guzan was likely being a good teammate and deflecting criticism away from his manager, Paul Lambert’s time at Villa Park could be coming to an end if the club does not start scoring goals.
If Lambert has the support of the owners, he will get money to spend over the transfer window. If he doesn’t have the opportunity to bring in replacements, he will be replaced as manager.
