Aston Villa: We suffered because of high expectations reveals Milner

May 6 2009 by Bill Howell, Birmingham Mail

Milner says the dressing room remained a positive environment, with the players continually focused on the bigger picture.

“The negativity did not come from us,” he said.

“We knew that we could play better when results did not go our way. We tried to put that right and we have been playing better the past few weeks.

“We have been unlucky and not had the rub of the green.”

Villa are within a couple of points of equalling last season’s total.

They last surpassed 60 points in 1996/97 when Brian Little’s side finished fifth with 61 points, and in 1995/96 when they finished fourth with 63 points.

“We should beat last season as long as we finish the season strongly,” he said.

“Fair play to the lads because it has been a tough spell, but we are still giving our all and putting in good performances and creating chances.

“The lads are getting on the ball and trying things. When things aren’t going well sometimes it is easier to hide.

“I don’t see anyone hiding.”

Villa have played 52 matches so far this season. Milner added: “It has been a long season for the lads, having started in the InterToto.

“There have been a lot of games and at times during the last few games we have looked tired.

“That’s all due to the hard work the lads put in. There is a lot of mileage being put into games, a lot of effort and a lot of games.

“That’s what comes with being successful. You play a lot of games and we have to learn to deal with that.”