The Villa man has praised the club’s away supporters this season.
Aston Villa defender Tommy Elphick say the club’s away fans deserve huge credit for their support this season, even before their recent climb up the league table.
The 29 year-old centre-back told the club’s official website he was impressed with the huge away following versus Norwich City on Tuesday night, adding the players owed them more than their performance gave.
Tommy Elphick of Aston Villa before the game
The Villans fell to a 1-0 defeat at Carrow Road courtesy of a Nelson Oliveira goal in midweek. The visitors had just one effort on target, as The Canaries rise to eight in the Sky Bet Championship – now five points ahead of Steve Bruce’s men.
The defender felt sympathy for the travelling contingent and that he and his Villa team-mates want to get back on track versus Queen Park Rangers at Loftus Road on Sunday lunchtime.
Elphick told avfc.co.uk: “We took such a huge following to Norwich in midweek and we simply didn’t deliver.”
“It’s the fans you feel sorry for the most. That’s who you want to reward every single week. We want to get back on track this weekend for us and for them.
Nelson Oliveira of Norwich City celebrates after scoring their first goal
“It’s amazing to see week after week that they sell out the allocation – big numbers too. You really appreciate them when you come out on to the pitch and you see them packing out the away end. It’s some sight!”
Since his switch from AFC Bournemouth in June – for what BBC Sport reported to be for a fee in the region £3 million – Tommy Elphick has made 14 appearances for the club, primarily as James Chester’s central defensive partner.
After going seven games unbeaten since Bruce took the reins at Villa Park, the Birmingham outfit have hit somewhat of an away wobble in form, losing both of their last two on the road.
Bournemouth’s Tommy Elphick celebrates scoring their first goal
Elphick knows his Villa side must improve on their travels, starting against a struggling Hoops this weekend who have lost their last four.
“Our home form has obviously been the standout so far this season”, said the Villa man. “Now we need to start getting it right away from home too. That will put us right in contention.”
He added, “There’s no point dwelling on any result in this division. The beauty of this league is you can put it right so quickly – and we’ll be looking to on Sunday.”
“QPR are struggling. They have a new manager so they’re going through a transition. But we must focus on us and what we’re doing.”
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