The Villa defender urges his side to take be less wasteful following Leeds loss.
Aston Villa defender James Chester has urged his side to add a clinical edge to their game following The Villans 2-0 loss to Leeds United at Elland Road on Saturday evening.
The Welsh international told the Club’s official website Villa need to start converting more of their chances, if they are to challenge for a top six spot come May.
Chris Wood (R) celebrates after scoring the second goal for Leeds United
Kemar Roofe’s first goal for Leeds United and Chris Wood’s stoppage time effort earned Garry Monk’s charges a 2-0 win, to catapult The Whites into fourth place in the Championship as Villa slip to 15th.
Despite the loss, Steve Bruce’s men had as many shots as the hosts. In terms of efforts on target also – including Ashley Westwood and Albert Adomah chances – the visitors had just one less on target which was a source of frustration for the Villa defender.
Chester told acfc.co.uk: “If you look back at the game we’ve had the best chances and if we take them it’s a different match.”
“We’ve not managed to take the chances we created and myself, Tommy and Pier will have to look back at the first goal because it’s the first real shot on target so we’re a little bit disappointed with that.”
Aston Villa’s James Chester
“Once they scored, I don’t think we can have any complaints really about not getting back in the game. We got a bit ragged and didn’t create anything from it.”
The defeat for Villa was the first in eight games and Steve Bruce’s first since taking over the reins at Villa Park.
James Chester has been instrumental in The Villans rise up the table, but having broken their unbeaten run now the task will be for Bruce’s men to carry on the honeymoon period in Birmingham.
As Aston Villa entertain relegation-threatened Wigan Athletic on Saturday, they have the perfect opportunity to bounce back against their boss’ former employers and make a statement, before a chance of vengeance against Leeds at Villa Park before the month is out.
For now however, Villa’s sights now switch to the weekend versus potential relegation fodder and Chester is bullish his side can start afresh once more, whilst remaining realistic.
(L-R) Wigan’s new signings Ben Watson, Mido and Hugo Rodallega with manager Steve Bruce during the press conference
“We’re under no illusions it’s a really difficult division”, said the 27 year-old. “We were and are going to lose games.”
“It’s the first game we’ve lost in eight under the new gaffer so it’s all about how you respond and it’s a big game for us next Saturday at home.
“This is the first disappointment but it’s how we bounce back. We’ve started well. It’s the first disappointment we’ve had.
“I don’t see any reason why we can’t go on another six or seven-game unbeaten run.”
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
