More heartbreak for Aston Villa at the weekend.
Through the first six games of the season Aston Villa appear to be the unluckiest team in the Premier League.
It is remarkable based on their performances that they sit in the relegation zone in 18th place.
The defeat to Arsenal at the weekend was a typically harsh result.
Villa led twice, before conceding late goals to lose 3-2. It was reminiscent of their previous trip to North London in which they lost 3-1 to Tottenham, having led for most of the game.
The defeat to Crystal Palace was even more unlucky, having a goal harshly ruled out via VAR.
In the cases of the defeats to Arsenal and Tottenham, its true that you can point to poor defending as well as just bad luck.
For a newly promoted side they are still making a big impression, and their poor run of results is not reflective of an overall lack of quality.
The way Villa are playing, they will pick up points, they just need a bit more savvy to see out games against the top quality opposition, in which they are competing well.
The side have a lot of new players, so there is an adjustment period while manager Dean Smith works out his best combinations, and the previously existing Villa players get used to their teammates.
Villa face Burnley, Norwich and Brighton in their next three Premier League games. All three will be tough contests, but there is no reason why they should not be targeting three wins. Even two victories would be a good return.
Better results are coming. The performances warrant it, and if Villa continue to perform as they are, then they will comfortably avoid relegation.
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