Team ethic the secret to Aston Villa success

The Villans have also been able to play the consistency card, naming relatively unchanged sides, which has allowed them to keep momentum. It appears that the heart of their success so far, however, is a team spirit that seems to have risen from the ashes.

Previous Villa rosters, including the infamous ‘bomb squad’, have been rife with discontent and underperforming stars enjoying large wage packets. With club resources limited, though, previous fringe players have been allowed to come in from the cold, and a number of experienced Premier League faces have also been added to the fold.

The additions of the likes of Senderos, Aly Cissokho, Tom Cleverley, Joe Cole and Kieran Richardson has given Lambert’s squad a last-chance-saloon feel, and provided the club with players who appear to be determined to turn their reputations around.

Ex-Sunderland boss and Manchester United legend Roy Keane has also been credited with the team’s turnaround. The midfield enforcer arrived as assistant coach, and this unlikely duo of the former Red Devils skipper and Lambert appears to have struck the right balance.

Goal hero and Birmingham-born forward Gabriel Agbonlahor grabbed the winner at Anfield, and was keen to hail the ex-Republic of Ireland international’s influence. Speaking after the Liverpool clash, Agbonlahor said: “I think there is more togetherness, and a bit more experience to a good group of young players.

“Also I think young players in the side see Roy Keane here and they are going to listen. He’s perfect for the club and I think we needed someone like that.”

Keane has always been controversial, but it appears he is the secret of a happy camp, and a key component in success, at Villa Park.

Having only netted four Premier League goals so far this term, Villa’s increased defensive awareness and cautious approach may come at a price though. Andreas Weimann is currently leading marksman, having hit home twice, but only supposed relegation candidates, including Burnley and West Bromich Albion, have managed to score less than the West Midlands club.

It is a problem that needs to be addressed, but the impending return of Christian Benteke may go some way to solving the issue. Whilst the Villans have made an explosive start to the season, they will eventually need more than team spirit and defensive nous to stay in the upper echelons of the Premier League, amongst such esteemed company as Chelsea.