|
ESPNsoccernet: England | |
Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert has urged his players to start winning ugly in their remaining 13 games in order to save their Premier League status.
 |
• Hughes: Villa need a cure for home sickness
Lambert is ready to sacrifice style for results in an effort to end the run of eight matches without a win which has left the club stuck in the bottom three.
The manager said he had held a team meeting prior to Saturday's 3-3 draw with Everton at Goodison Park in an attempt to unite his players.
Villa have not tasted victory in the Premier League since beating Liverpool at Anfield on December 15, and have collected only three points from a possible 24 since then.
The Midlanders, second from bottom of the table, have won just four matches all season, and Lambert, preparing to face West Ham at Villa Park on Sunday, has said results are now more important than performances.
And he stressed that, with 39 points still to play for, there is still belief at the club that they can haul themselves to safety.
"It [the situation] is horrible," Lambert said. "We're in a fight and we have to drive ourselves out of it. We had a chat the other day and they know what they have to do.
"The effort they are giving is there in abundance. I believe they can do it, and they do themselves. We have spoken about some things and they've been pretty positive.
"I know that winning covers a multitude of sins - it always does - and if you play poor and win, you'd take it. You'd settle for that.
"I know you are in the entertainment business, but sometimes that doesn't get you anywhere. If you win, everyone goes away happy."