'I am just as scared as the players' - Villa's concerns deepen

Natalia Arroyo looks on — Aston Villa have not won a match since Natalia Arroyo was appointed in January [Getty Images]

It was inconceivable for many to think Aston Villa could be relegated from the Women's Super League this season - but it's looking increasingly possible.

They sit precariously just one point above Crystal Palace in the relegation spot and a 4-0 defeat by Manchester United on Sunday extended their winless run to seven matches.

Understandably, the mood is low.

Manager Natalia Arroyo, who joined the club in January, has been tasked with the challenge of instilling belief in Villa's players again - but it has not been easy.

"I want to stay in this country, I want to stay in this league and in this club. I want to do my best," Arroyo told BBC Sport.

"I am finding it frustrating because I want the players to be brave and it's not the best moment for them to be brave.

"It's good to talk about that because I am just as scared as they are. I don't want to be the manager of a relegated team.

"But the reality is a possibility if we don't do our jobs. We are in the same boat so we need to row harder, faster and stronger to make it. I really believe we will make it."

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'The players look lost'

The mood was low, belief seemed to disappear and fans were fearing the worst on another painful evening in Birmingham on Sunday.

"If you love to win, stand up," was the chant being sung by Manchester United fans towards the end of their ruthless 4-0 win at Villa Park.

And even some Villa fans joined in.

Their side had struggled to create chances in a timid first half and were punished. They never found a way back into the game.

"I've really struggled to understand what Aston Villa are trying to do. The players look lost," said former England midfielder Izzy Christiansen on Sky Sports.

"I feel for the players right now and I don't want to be too harsh because I don't know what the root of the problems are.

"They're in this situation for a reason - the table doesn't lie. The manager has got to find the right words very carefully to motivate the team and get them on track, because it could end up being a slippery slope for the football club."

Just before the full-time whistle went, manager Arroyo was crouched down in the dugout, perhaps pondering what to say to her players.

She jumped up afterwards and went over to each of them, giving them hugs and consoling handshakes.

In her pre-match programme notes, Arroyo admitted the squad was "struggling" and last week's defeat by Palace had knocked them.

"We're not getting the results that we all expect and not performing the way that we want," she added.

It is a feeling that will have only worsened on Sunday and you could sense the anxiety around Villa Park.

"Villa might actually get relegated," one security guard outside the press room blurted out afterwards.

United led 3-0 by half-time thanks to a double from striker Elisabeth Terland and a long-range lob by Grace Clinton.

Villa's evening got worse when Leah Galton added a fourth goal, and though substitute Ebony Salmon provided a threat, it was too late to make a dent.

Arroyo's side have only five matches to secure their safety in the WSL.

'What is the direction?'

Aston Villa manager Natalia Arroyo reacts on the touchline — Aston Villa have lost their last six WSL games [PA Media]

How Villa have fallen so quickly is not clear.

They were being touted as a team who could break into the top four just 18 months ago - but now there are several factors that appear to have contributed to their downfall.

Since former manager Carla Ward's resignation last season, they have struggled to find consistency, appointing Robert de Pauw before sacking him after six months.

That caused disruption in the January transfer window and Villa allowed big-name players Kenza Dali and Adriana Leon - who had grown unhappy - to leave in the hope of improving things in the dressing room.

Recruitment has not entirely paid off. They spent money on club record signing Gabi Nunes, for example, but have still struggled to score goals.

"It's really surprising to see the downward spiral they have been on," former England defender Laura Bassett told BBC Radio 5 Live.

"I don't think the performances and the way they are competing has been bad but there's been individual mistakes and a lack of belief.

"They have not been clinical and not scoring goals so that can manifest psychologically, making it tough.

"We haven't seen that [new manager] bounce and I know a lot of players are out of contract at the end of the season too. In terms of management higher up, I'd be asking 'what is the direction?'"

'This is the reality - I'm sorry'

What was most evident on Sunday was a growing sense of anxiety among Villa supporters.

But Arroyo says they can help the team fight for survival and she hopes to give them "what they deserve" by delivering results in the next five games.

"If you are not winning I cannot ask them to support us happily. I think they are trying their best," she said.

"I can only say 'thank you for coming' because we are not even able to score so I cannot ask them for anything. The only thing I can say is that we will work as hard as possible.

"I am pleased they understand we are struggling because with their support we will be stronger. We are not in the position we want, we are not in the position the club wants and we are not in the position the fans deserve.

"This is the reality. I'm sorry. If they can make the next game, hopefully they can celebrate with us."

Despite the struggles, Arroyo still has belief.

She added: "I see the players are committed and trying to learn. I am convinced we will make it."

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