Aston Villa 1-1 Southampton as it happened

1. Clyne hits leveller from 12 yards
2. Forster at fault for Villa goal
3. Keeper rushes out of goal but does not get ball
4. Paul Lambert's 100th match in charge of Villa
5. Villa have not won since 13 September

And Aston Villa's inability to hold on to that one-goal advantage against second-placed Southampton means their winless run will be extended to at least 77 days.

That is a whole five days longer than a Kim Kardashian marriage...

Make sure you're back with us tomorrow when Champions League football returns. Sithee later.

Stat attack

Five of the six goals Aston Villa have scored in the Premier League this season have been netted in the first half. They have not netted after the 50th minute.

Manager reaction

Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert on his side's injury problems: "We've got a lot of players out at the minute and I've not bleated about it but maybe I should bleat about it more. This league is unforgiving and this football club generates pressure whether you're at the top or the bottom. But we need to go on and try to win games."

Manager reaction

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Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert speaking to BBC Sport: "I thought it was a really good game against a very good side, we had a great chance to go 2-0 up but I couldn't fault the team. We've got six first team players out at the minute so I can't criticise the team.

"There aren't many quicker than Gabby Agbonlahor and that ball over the top was something we tried this week in training and we thought his pace could cause Southampton problems which it did. It's a good point gained against a team who had swept everything in front of them aside and if you look at the money spent by these sides it's a big difference from us."

Manager reaction

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Southampton boss Ronald Koeman on Villa's opener: "The goal was completely a misunderstanding defensively but it is football. We are human so we can make those kind of mistakes. But after it being 1-0 it was more difficult. It is a nice week to play and we will be ready, every game is a battle and tonight was difficult. We did not reach our level which we need to do to be competitive against City."

On their next three matches against Manchester City, Arsenal and Manchester United: "Maybe Villa were more dangerous than it will be on Sunday against City. We know we have a tough week but we look forward to playing against City. It is a pleasure to play that kind of teams and show our quality, but to have a chance we need a little bit more quality in front of goal than we showed today."

Stat attack

Southampton goalscorer Nathaniel Clyne has scored twice in 12 Premier League appearances this season. He managed only one goal in 59 top-flight matches before 2014-15.

Manager reaction

PA

Southampton manager Ronald Koeman speaking to Sky Sports: "I didn't come for one point tonight before we came. I thought we had a team good enough to win tonight but after conceding it was very difficult. We didn't create as many chances as we should have and we missed some fitness and some quality, it was a misunderstanding defensively that made it more difficult for us.

"In the last few weeks and from the beginning of the season we have always played with three midfielders but with Steven Davis injured we chose for Shane long to go behind Graziano Pelle and it looked like we had too many people in the middle of the park and missed somebody out wide."

Stat attack

Maybe it is a good thing that Villa didn't end their winless run. That's because there would have been hardly any home fans at Villa Park to witness it.

A crowd of 25,311 was Villa's lowest home attendance in the Premier League since December 1999.

Get involved

Taylor Reynolds: Saints deserved it but for a moment of madness from Forster.

Nick Grace: A draw is a fair result. Its beating the team's around you that is important. An away point is ok, 5 points from our next 3 would be nice.

Chris Steadman: Villa gave them the ball all night and it still took them 81 minutes to score. Draw was a fair result, nothing special from the saints tonight.

Player reaction

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As fortnight's go, Southampton defender Nathaniel Clyne's past 14 days have pretty decent. First, he impressed on his England debut and then he scores to earn his club side a vital point. Above average I'd say.

"I'm happy at the moment I made my England debut and I managed to score again tonight so hopefully I can carry on scoring and assisting," says the 23-year-old right-back.

"I've got to keep going and we've got to keep pushing, we're confident where we are but we'll take the point and move on."

Player reaction

Aston Villa defender Ciaran Clark on Sky Sports: "Before the game we would have taken a point, but to be winning for so long it's disappointing to not win in the end.

"As a team we defended well but it was disappointing to concede so late. I thought we did well as a unit and we needed to put in a performance that we did and hopefully we can take that in to the game with Burnley on Saturday."

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chris leonard: Poor from Southampton, Will they raise it when they play the big boys or will the bubble burst.

Indeed, Man City, Arsenal and Man Utd follow for Saints. #findoutwhatsaintsaremadeof

Nathaniel Clyne mentions 'the next game' for Southampton - and that is the visit of reigning Premier League champions Manchester City next weekend.

Three days later, they visit Arsenal. Then, the following Monday, they host Manchester United. Gulp.

That has been the note of caution sounded by many about Southampton's excellent start - that they haven't played many of the top sides yet. Now we're going to find out if they can mix it with the big boys.

Player reaction

Southampton goalscorer Nathaniel Clyne speaking to BBC Sport: "We're disappointed. Our intention was to come here and get the win, but Aston Villa are a good team and they put us under pressure early on.

"We conceded a sloppy goal and they sat back and made it difficult for us by trying to attack us on the counter attack. But we're happy with the point and we'll move on to the next game."

Player reaction

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Aston Villa goalscorer Gabriel Agbonlahor on Sky Sports: "To get the early goal gave us a lot of confidence and you could see throughout we were on top. We were disappointed not to win but with where Southampton are in the league we'll take a point. It was good to see the fans turn out in such cold weather and we felt we needed to give them a performance.

"I thought that I could have done better with their goal, it was disappointing to concede so late on but they're flying in the league so we'll take a point and move on."

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Number 23: ‏I guess, Southampton is fast becoming everybody's second team. And this is coming from a Liverpool fan. #bbcfootball

Russell Moore: ‏Ironic that both teams have now been compared to the 3 little piggys? See 19mins & 21:53.

It is certainly something but I think you might have getting a little Alanis Morissette on us there.

BBC

When will the bookmakers start paying out on Chelsea winning the title? It can't be far off. Second-placed Southampton dropping two more points means Jose Mourinho's men are already six clear. And we still have a whole month before Christmas.

The Blues need to start dishing out more presents than Father Christmas if they are to keep this Premier League season alive going into the New Year.

Former England winger Chris Waddle on BBC Radio 5 live

"Southampton have got the more quality, but you have to give Aston Villa a lot of credit - they way the entire team have put a tremendous shift in. They played on the counter attack, trying to nick a result, and you will see that for most of the season from Villa.

"They are not a team who are going to pass it around but they have a lot of pace and a lot of power."

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Mark, Berkshire: An ugly point for Saints in by far their worst performance of the season.

But not many outside of Birmingham (and probably not many within the Second City's boundaries) gave Villa much hope of even earning a draw against in-form Southampton.

They were helped by Saints - who had won 11 of their previous 12 matches - being, well, out of form. Saints huffed and puffed but lacked the guile to blow down the Villa wall.

FULL-TIME

And both teams have to settle for point apiece. A smattering of boos ring out from the Villa Park stands as Phil Dowd toots his whistle as Villa's winless run extends to an eighth Premier League match.

Southampton go long as they try to hammer down the Villa defence. But the claret and blue wall remains firm. One minute for them to hold on for a vital point.

Three minutes of stoppage time. Southampton attack. Villa on the back foot...

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Slowbear: Give Nathaniel that much space and he won't de-Clyne the opportunity!

Hope that wasn't long in the making.

SUBSTITUTION

Jack Cork on for Shane Long.

The away side survive. Anyone going to nick this? It could go either way...

Paul Lambert will be pleased to see his side settle back down after that tidal wave of Southampton pressure.

Then, back come Villa. Southampton's defence have to scramble back as Villa pump a couple of wide balls into the danger zone.

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Richard McLernon: Only City and Southampton are closer to chelsea in 1st than they are to QPR in 20th... Southampton can't afford dropped points

Five minutes left on the clock. I'd guess that Paul Lambert would happily take a draw if he was offered one right now.

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Now...if Saints were really capable of finishing in the Top 4, they'd probably get a late winner in a game like this...#bbcfootball

A carbon copy of the opener almost leads to a possible Southampton winner. Again a long ball upfield causes chaos in the opposition defence - but this time Villa left-back Aly Cissokho takes charge and races across to boot clear, not waiting for Brad Guzan to reach the ball.

Villa boss Paul Lambert looks pensive as he patrols the touchline, with the nervous Villa Park crowd silent.

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David Lock: 34% possession gets what it deserves.

Henry: All those criticizing Southampton tonight are probably the same 'experts' who said they'd go down this season - makes me laugh.

Former England winger Chris Waddle on BBC Radio 5 live

"It's the first bit of quality around the box from Southampton. Both full-backs involved, one to the other. Nathaniel Clyne comes on to it, doesn't blast it, and that's an excellent finish."

GOAL

And Ronald Koeman's boldness has paid off. Southampton are level as one full-back tees up the other. Left-back Ryan Bertrand rampages into the Villa box, checks his run to intelligently pull back to Nathaniel Clyne and the right-back smashes in the equaliser, with a sliding Gabriel Agbonlahor unable to make it with his attempted tackle.

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If Ronald Koeman was playing Championship Manager he would have just pressed the 'gung ho attack' button. Zambian striker Emmanuel Mayuka replaces Sadio Mane as the Saints go 4-2-4.

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Peter Collins: This feels like Villa's win at Anfield. Get in front, shut up shop. And when Mourinho does it, he's a genius...

Paul Harris: It's been said Southampton play like @Arsenal. Passing the oppo to death and failing to score tonight suggests they are.

Could have been game, set and match. Should have been game, set and match.

A swift Villa counter attack ends in Gabby Agbonlahor squaring for Andreas Weimann. However, the Austrian sees the headlines before the ball and blasts into the Holte End from about 15 yards.

A shot on target. Yes, a shot on target. That was a shot on target. Dusan Tadic with a free-kick whipped in from a wide angle. Brad Guzan opts to punch clear - and makes decent mileage with his two-fisted effort.

SUBSTITUTION

Another substitution. And another substitution for Villa. Darren Bent - that one-time prolific goalscorer - trots on for Carlos Sanchez.

Surely Saints boss Ronald Koeman is thinking about a tactical tweak? Fifteen minutes for his side to salvage something.

BBC Radio 5 live

Don't forget that after full-time at Villa Park there will be a football social on BBC Radio 5 live - and we want to know what you make of tonight's match, plus your three-point plan for rescuing Liverpool's season.

Get calling on 0500 9090 693 - the lines are open now.

Former England winger Chris Waddle on BBC Radio 5 live

"That is the best chance of the second half - Villa have worked very, very hard and are probably starting to feel the pace."

Chance! Southampton are trying to provide us with an Eastenders 'duh duh duh duh' ending - but it's not happening.

Centre half Jose Fonte appears on the right side of the Villa box (nope, I don't know why either) and drills a low shot which is kicked away by home keeper Brad Guzan with Pelle lurking.

I'd love to tell you this is a thrilling night of Premier League action. But I'd be a liar.

We have seen a grand total of ZERO shots on target since the restart. But stick with us folks - there is going to be some late drama. I can feel it.

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Aashish: Saints need to up the tempo - its like watching Liverpool pass slow pass pass going nowhere boring.

Wonder if Brendan would agree with you?

Former England winger Chris Waddle on BBC Radio 5 live

"It does look as though Southampton have run out of ideas."

Then, Saints midfielder Victor Wanyama's eyes light up when a ball breaks to him outside the penalty box. But he is overcome by excitement and slashes his effort wide. Cue ironic cheers from the home fans behind the goal.

Villa are looking very comfortable at the moment. There. I've said it. The well-drilled home side, with their nine men behind the ball, are rarely being threatened.

SUBSTITUTION

First roll of the tactical dice - and it comes from Paul Lambert. The Villa boss introduces former England international Kieran Richardson for Charles N'Zogbia in a straight swap in the centre of the home side's midfield. N'Zogbia heads straight down the tunnel with a Villa physio, which suggests he may have taken a knock.

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Thomas in London: As I'm not a Villa, I suppose it's easier for me not to be so critical of Lambert but honestly, I think he's worked wonders to keep them up for 2 years. This team is barely Premier League standard but he's kept them up despite a limited budget and the Lerner problem.

Saints midfielder Dusan Tadic finally finds some space on the edge of the Villa box, but can't find that killer pass to unlock the well-drilled home defence.

Saints are still enjoying plenty of possession, but Villa are content to frustrate them by sticking nine or 10 claret and blue shirts behind the ball.

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Former England winger Chris Waddle on BBC Radio 5 live

"It was a late tackle and there is a little bit of frustration creeping in. Villa have worked hard, their style of play is not everyone's cup of tea, but they are looking to try to keep clean sheets and the tactic has worked so far."

YELLOW CARD

Victor Wanyama is a player who could be, rather kindly, described as combative and unsurprisingly he becomes the first name to go into Phil Dowd's notepad.

The Saints midfielder slams into the back of Villa counterpart Tom Cleverly to see yellow. There was nothing, ahem, Clever about that challenge.

Neither Long or Tadic has had much impact in their new role. Yet.

Must say it has been pretty even in the opening 10 minutes of the second half. Pretty evenly poor from both teams that is...

PA

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Chris S: When it's done on the comet do you think the #Rosetta probe can land at Villa Park to see if there's any sign of atmosphere?

Out of this world that gag Chris.

Chelsea Warrior: Good half this. Saints have really upped the ante and Villans working their socks off. Very watchable.

No change in personnel for Southampton at the break, but there has been a change in their tactics. Republic of Ireland forward Shane Long started the match in 'the hole' behind striker Graziano Pelle, but has now moved to the right with Dusan Tadic pushing up behind Pelle.

Former England winger Chris Waddle on BBC Radio 5 live

"I keep seeing the same thing - Southampton's problems are all in the final third. Their build-up play is really good, with crisp passing, but when they get in areas where they should produce, nothing is happening."

Another half chance for Villa, who appear keen to grab a second goal before 50 minutes. It's almost as though they know they won't score in the final 40 minutes....

A deep cross is swung in from the right and finds the forehead of Andreas Weimann at the far post. But the Austrian forward cannot get enough power behind it and Fraser Forster gathers.

And Villa come flying out of the traps quicker than an eager greyhound. Gabby Agbonlahor breaks down the left, before the ball eventually falls to Charles N'Zogbia in a central position just inside the Southampton box. He connects sweetly, but Ryan Bertrand flings his body in the way.

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nev carman: Have a few 'PARDEW OUT' banners going free if anyone at Villa is interested. Surname needs changing. No demand here anymore.

KICK-OFF

Messrs Lambert and Koeman have delivered their words of wisdom. The half-time oranges have been polished off. Back under way.

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Owen, London: Interesting Southampton next 3 fixtures man city (h), arsenal (a) and man utd (a) a real test of their top 4 credentials.

Dennis: Would Everton/Spurs fans put up with being as laughably poor as Villa are? An average of 43 points per season scraped from awful football is nowhere near acceptable for a club of Villa's stature. And how about some entertainment? Are the pro-Lambert testers actually watching this match? If we win it'll be a travesty, we're woefully bad.

Mark, Berkshire: Lack of any cutting edge from Saints in the final third; they are missing Davis. Time for Koeman to get in to the players to turn this round.

Do I not like orange

I wonder if ex-Villa boss Graham Taylor has gone to the match tonight. Because if he has, then he might be hoping to avoid bumping into Southampton boss Ronald Koeman at the Villa Park coffee machine after the final whistle.

Why? Because the scars are still deep from 13 October 1993 for former England manager Taylor. The night when Netherlands defender Koeman almost single-handedly - in Taylor's eyes at least - left him feeling "cheated".

In a must-win 1994 World Cup qualifier for England, Koeman escaped a red card and then scored the winner.

Sports Personality of the Year

It's almost that time of the year again folks. Nope, not Christmas. The annual BBC Sports Personality of the Year award of course!

And the ten contenders shortlisted to win the 2014 gong on 14 December have been revealed.

Golfer Rory McIlroy, footballer Gareth Bale, gymnast Max Whitlock, F1's Lewis Hamilton and swimmer Adam Peaty are on the list with Lizzy Yarnold (skeleton).

Boxer Carl Froch, Charlotte Dujardin (dressage), athlete Jo Pavey, plus Paralympic skier Kelly Gallagher and guide Charlotte Evans are nominated.

The public vote for their favourite by phone and online on the night. See the full details here.

Get involved

Matt in Huddersfield: Villa fans sound like the Newcastle fans five games ago...look how that turned out. Patience is a virtue!

Villa's half-time lead means the as-it-stands Premier League table makes interesting reading. Liverpool fans look away now...

BBC Sport

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Matthew Vins:‏ Don't think Villa have scored a second half goal in the Premier League this season... Defence needs to stay awake!

That, I think, is the 50th minute Matthew. Mind you, including tonight they have only scored six league goals all season.

David Ljunggren: People keep asking why Newcastle sold Fraser Forster and I think the reasons are becoming clearer

Antony walker: On paper, villa are not a bad team. On the pitch however, it's a different story

Stat attack

OptaJoe: 3 - This is only the third time Southampton have trailed at half-time in the PL this season. They lost the previous two games. Pointer.

Lies, damned lies and statistics

BBC

Second-placed Southampton are hogging the ball and have unleashed more shots than lowly Villa. But only one stat matters at the moment...

Former England winger Chris Waddle on BBC Radio 5 live

"I'm sure Ronald Koeman will say listen, our approach play is nice to watch, the movement is good but watch Gabby Agbonlahor on the counter attack. You have dominated the game but the quality around the box has not been good enough."

HALF-TIME

One minute of added time is shown on the fourth official's board. And that 60 seconds produces virtually nothing. So far so good for Villa who - in the scoreline at least - are ripping up the form book in Paul Lambert's 100th match in charge.

Villa continue to make life difficult for themselves, this time Charles N'Zogbia is the culprit as he gives away a free-kick about 25 yards out. But the home side organise themselves quickly and clear Morgan Schneiderlin's set piece.

AP

And, after that quick breather, Villa almost bag a second. Centre-back Ciaran Clark climbs highest to meet a deep free-kick, heading down into the Saints danger-zone. But Morgan Schneiderlin hooks away the bother before a claret and blue shirt can pounce on the loose ball.

A pause in play - to the delight of Villa's players - as home left-back Aly Cissokho goes down after Victor Wanyama scrapes his studs across the top of his boot.

Former England winger Chris Waddle on BBC Radio 5 live

"You have to say that with the way they have played, Southampton don't deserve to be behind, They've played some lovely football.

"But that's football."

Villa are being pinned back on their line like a tiring rugby side and need forward Gabby Agbonlahor to assume the role of a half-back by booting the ball deep into Saints territory. That eases the pressure - for the moment....

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Jamie, from London: As an arsenal fan, I desperately hope this is the beginning of the end for this Southampton side. Looking like top 4 rivals.

Luke, Birmingham: Even though we're one up were still an awful team no chance of us staying up or winning this game ! Lambert has to go and a major clear out is required !

GREAT SAVE!

And Southampton almost knock Villa's newly-found confidence out of them. Sadio Mane jinks in from the left side of the Villa penalty area and sends a right-footed shot trundling towards the bottom far corner. But Villa keeper Brad Guzan flings himself down to his left to tip around the post and maintain Villa's lead.

PA

Confidence is pumping the veins of the Villa players now. Centre-back Jores Okore sprays a Hollywood pass out to the left flank, before Southampton win back possession.

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OptaJoe: 439 - Gabriel Agbonlahor's goal ended a run of 439 minutes without conceding in the PL for Southampton. Stunner.

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Chelsea Warrior: And Villa are suddenly equal on points with Liverpool. Pray tell, who spent a hundred Million?

HarryBanty: To those Villa fans saying Lambert should go. You don't know how valuble something is till you lose it

John Pierce: Clearly Southampton thinks it's Xmas already. Nice gift a free goal that. Shame it didn't come with a bow.

"We score when we want, we score when we waaaant, we're Aston Villa, we score when we want!"

That's the tongue-in-cheek chant from the Villa Park stands as their heroes net only their second goal in eight matches. But Agbonlahor's strike would be enough to move them level on points with Liverpool if things stay the same.

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Former England winger Chris Waddle on BBC Radio 5 live

"A right mix up! The one thing we said all night is that Gabby Agbonlahor's pace could cause problems. You have to say Fraser Forster is to blame. You want the keeper to put a voice on it, let you know what he is doing. Give Agbonlahor credit, he took it well."

GOAL

What. A. Gift. Southampton don't concede and Villa don't score - so obviously it is the hosts who take the lead.

Saints keeper Fraser Forster races off his line and way out of his box to deal with a long punt upfield from Ciaran Clark. But he is not as quick as Villa striker Gabby Agbonlahor, who nips in, gets to the ball first and then keeps calm to roll in the opener.

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Davva, Newton le Willows: Villa Park looks very much like the Etihad on a Champions League night. Thousands of empty blue seats.

Cheeky. Very, very cheeky.

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Mark Champan

BBC Sport's Mark Chapman: This is the result when you ask away fans to pay £41 for a game 140 miles away.

Villa midfielder Ashley Westwood fancies this one, licking his lips as he stands over the ball from 20 yards out. But he doesn't manage to lift the ball over the Saints defence as it clips a head and rolls back to keeper Fraser Forster.

Past the halfway mark and no decent chances for either side yet...

Villa are badly lacking composure at the back as they struggle to stick a foot on the ball. But when they do keep possession, they are looking to release speed merchant Gabby Agbonlahor. The ex-England international steps on the gas and is outnumbered by Saints shirts. But he wins a free-kick on the edge of the away box...

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Ryan Villa fan in London: We've stuck with Lambert but he has to go, there is no discernible plan. We should take Pulis whilst he is free.

Some Keystone Cops defending from Villa. Not once, not twice, but three times as they cheaply gift possession back to Southampton.

Another break sees Shane Long race on to a through ball in the right channel of the Villa box, but across comes Ciaran Clark to slide in and avert the immediate danger. Just.

That tackle had better timing than an expensive Swiss watch. Because if it was a second out it would have been a stonewall penalty.

PA

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parklifemunich: Villa are like the big bad wolf. Lots of huff and puff but not going to get those three little points at the end.

Jordan Johnson: @SouthamptonFC have every ingredient to stay strong for top four, can vaguely remember saying that about villa five years ago

Former England winger Chris Waddle on BBC Radio 5 live

"Great stuff from Southampton. Graziano Pelle is so influential, pulling all the strings. How can Villa change it? They can pay higher, stop Morgan Schneiderlin getting on the ball.

"You need Tom Cleverley and Ashley Westwood to push on another 20 yards and stop the attacks in midfield, before they can start. It's all Southampton now."

Saints create something out of nothing as a slick backheel from Graziano Pelle puts in ex-Villa loanee Ryan Bertrand. He cuts in from the left, pulls back to Sadio Mane but he can only slice wide from 12 yards.

Starting to look ominous for Villa as they give the ball away again...

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Former England winger Chris Waddle on BBC Radio 5 live

"It must be the lowest crowd they will have here all season. It's so quiet.

"Paul Lambert is under pressure. He's lost all of his games! They could be in the bottom three in the next few weeks but what was he allowed to bring in? Joe Cole?"

Here come Villa to spark the sparse crowd into life. Andreas Weimann makes a nuisance of himself to win a corner and that ends in Tom Cleverley blasting a low shot into a dark blue shirt, before the Saints clear.

Get involved

Andy Donley: ‏Has to be said that Southampton XI looks very strong, but their bench is looking very sparse. Top 4 or 6 still a big ask.

rishabh kapoor: Wonder what has Darren Bent done to spook Lambert. Remember him scoring Villa out of relegation couple of years ago.

Jonny: Over his 99 games Lambert averaged 1.12 points a game, or 43 per season, which is enough to stay safe. Is that really so bad?

It didn't last long Chris - Villa have already eased off. Or at least, Southampton have put their foot down.

The away side are parked in the Villa half now. Dusan Tadic tries to hook in from another corner, before Victor Wanyama fires wildly over the Villa bar. Ronald Koeman smugly sits with his arms folded on the away bench.

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Former England winger Chris Waddle on BBC Radio 5 live

"Villa started very quickly but they have to keep this work-rate up. It is only a matter of time before they come off the gas and then they could be in trouble."

Reuters

Here's that man Morgan Schneiderlin again. From a short Saints corner, the Frenchman is picked out on the edge of the Villa box, pirouettes for a tough-looking volley, and the ball drifts harmlessly wide.

Southampton are warming up to their task at a chilly Villa Park - which has plenty of empty claret and blue seats by the way. French midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin is the man making the away side tick.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

BBC Radio 5 live's Conor McNamara: On-air on @bbc5live. Join myself and @chriswaddle93 for #AVFC v #SaintsFC. #BBCfootball http://www.bbc.co.uk/5live

BBC Sport

Taxi for Sadio Mane! Southampton's first attack ends in embarrassment for the Senegal forward, who somehow boots the ball out for a Villa goal-kick when he tries to cross from the left. Strange.

Encouraging start for Villa, who pass the ball around neatly without being able to find a way through the sturdy Saints defence. That's until Gabby Agbonlahor bursts through the middle, only for a Saints body to block his shot from the edge of the area.

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KICK-OFF

Referee Phil Dowd give the thumbs up to each keeper, gives his whistle a sharp shrill, and that means it is game on. Saints striker Shane Long has the honour of the first touch of the evening.

Former England winger Chris Waddle on BBC Radio 5 live

"I would say if Aston Villa survive in the Premier League this season, they've had a good season. Christian Benteke has missed most of the season, they don't play with any width and they just try and catch you on the break.

"They lack confidence in the last 30 yards of the pitch, for a simple reason. They just don't score goals."

What the gaffers say

Southampton boss Ronald Koeman admits starting striker Shane Long was partly down to Villa's defensive problems: "Yes a little bit. I think we need to be more offensive in midfield and today I thought the best option was playing Shane behind Pelle. And of course because Villa have problems at centre half."

What the gaffers say

Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert on the inexperienced centre-half pairing of Ciaran Clark and Jores Okore: "It's a big game but they have got to step up to it. We have to meet the challenge and it's there for the two of them. I have got no worries about the two of them playing."

What the gaffers say

The players are strolling out of the tunnel at a slightly-misty Villa Park. Let's quickly hear what the two bosses have got to say for themselves..

Mean Saints

Southampton have conceded only five league goals this season, six fewer than any other club. No club has kept more clean sheets in the league than the Saints' seven.

Happy birthday Villa

@AVFCOFFICIAL/Twitter

Someone bring the candlelit cake and a bottle of something sparkling - because you are all invited to Aston Villa's birthday bash. That's right, the club is 140 years old.

Villa was formed by four players from the Villa Cross Wesleyan Chapel cricket team, who were looking for something to pass the time during the dark winter months. And the rest is history.

European Cup-winning midfielder Gordon Cowans unveiled a special founding lamp - a nod to the aforementioned founding quartet meeting under gas-light - outside the Holte End earlier and a host of former Villa heroes will parade around the pitch shortly.

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Chris Bloomfield: Paul Lambert forgets the fundament part of football, to win games you must score goals. No playmaker means no goals #bbcfootball

Joel Ejike 'Madiba': we all know that Southampton momentum won't last, the table gonna change soon, most club know were they belong

The Southampton-related question on everybody's lips is 'can they boot one of the big boys out of the top four?' Most neutrals hope so.

But Saints boss Ronald Koeman believes England's "crazy" Christmas schedule favours the biggest clubs.

Koeman's side also have to play four games in nine days over Christmas including league fixtures on Boxing Day and New Year's Day before the FA Cup third round on the first weekend in January.

"It's difficult because I don't have experience playing that number of games in such a short time," concedes the Dutchman. "I always used to be on holiday during Christmas and now we have a lot of games to prepare for."

Stat attack

Aston Villa have hit only 23 shots on target all season in the Premier League, eight fewer than Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero has on his own.

Lawro's prediction

BBC

Adil Ray says his character Citizen Khan is more of a cricket fan than a football follower

Going toe-to-toe with Lawro in his weekly prediction battle is actor Adil Ray. You will otherwise know Adil as Citizen Khan - the star of the eponymous BBC One sitcom.

The Birmingham-born actor is a staunch Villa fan so who is he backing tonight?

"Whenever I see these predictions, people get behind their team and I feel like I should do with Villa but I am going to be honest instead - I don't think we are going to get anything out of Southampton. A 2-0 away win."

Lawro's prediction

BBC

Aston Villa can't score. Southampton don't concede. So Villa haven't got a chance, right? Not according to our resident clairvoyant Mark Lawrenson - who is backing a home win tonight.

"The thing about Southampton's great start to the season is that it means they are now a scalp, which brings a different kind of pressure," says Lawro.

"Villa ended a run of six defeats with a draw against West Ham but, even with Christian Benteke suspended, I think they might surprise a few people here."

Lawro's prediction: 1-0

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Sam, Putney: Goes to show how the financial backing of the Man City's of this world is sometimes no match for a well gelled team led by a good manager. Credit to Southampton for restoring faith in the old principles of the game.

Former England winger Chris Waddle on BBC Radio 5 live

"Villa's back four is not looking strong at all. They have some honest players and Charles N'Zogbia is a player who - on his day - can conjure up a bit of brilliance, but we haven't seen that day for three or four years.

"The way Villa are setting up they will sit deep, invite Southampton on to them and then try and hit them on the break."

Listen to audio commentary from Villa Park on BBC Radio 5 live.

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Dennis, Wem: 99 games for Lambert: 48 defeats. Relegation a certainty under this dreadful, clueless manager. Any chance of the media recognising this, rather than peddling the "good young manager" nonsense. He's awful, we're awful.

Sideburns Dave in Sutton Coldfield: 100 games for Lambert and no discernable improvement coupled with mostly bad buys. How can you work full time and get worse?

Ton up for Lambert

BBC

Ton up for Lambert

Like a nervous batsman approaching his maiden Test century, Villa boss Paul Lambert has been stuck on 99 not out for a couple of weeks because of the international break.

But tonight he will can doff his cap and earn the acclaim of Villa Park - should they wish to give it - as he takes charge of his 100th match for the club.

"If it is 100 games, it is 100, if you are lucky enough to get 101, 102 or 103 you take it," says Lambert.

"It's a great thing being manager of this club I don't think anyone should underestimate it. It's a magical football club."

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Fahad Khan: Hope Southampton wins today and keep the Premier League interesting. No true football fan wants a dull league.

Ben Duggan: Hoping for a Southampton win - feel sorry for Villas form. Good to see that Long starts. Let's go get a good 3 points.

Matthew Bennett: Southampton won't last, good early season run. Look at their next games now...I think we'll see Saints dive as Gunners surface.

Villa don't like Mondays

Bob Geldof didn't like Mondays. And neither does Paul Lambert.

That's because Villa have won only one of their last 13 Premier League games on a Monday - a thumping 6-1 victory against Sunderland in April 2013.

Sure Lambert will take a 1-0 win tonight, even if it's a deflection off somebody's backside...

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AW: Why is everyone beating on Villa so much, that run of 6 losses included Arsenal, Chelsea, Everton, Man City and Spurs?!!

LINE-UPS

Aston Villa: Guzan, Hutton, Okore, Clark, Cissokho, Cleverley, Westwood, Sanchez, N'Zogbia, Agbonlahor, Weimann. Subs: Bacuna, Cole, Richardson, Bent, Given, Lowton, Grealish.

Southampton: Forster, Clyne, Fonte, Alderweireld, Bertrand, Tadic, Wanyama, Schneiderlin, Long, Pelle, Mane. Subs: Kelvin Davis, Yoshida, Gardos, Cork, Mayuka, Reed, Targett.

Referee: Phil Dowd (Staffordshire)

Saints go marching on

AP

And that means it took Saints fans about 72 days to forget all about Tottenham-bound boss Mauricio Pochettino and instead start thanking the lucky stars that Dutch master Koeman had been appointed as his successor.

'The king is dead, long live the king!' Some Saints fans may or may not have sang that ditty from the St Mary's stands.

What's been the secret of Saints success? And, most importantly, can they sustain this blistering start and nab one of the Champions League qualification places?

Getty Images

Southampton are living in a parallel universe to Villa. On the same day as Paul Lambert's side beat Liverpool, the Saints joined them in the top four by dishing out a 4-0 thrashing to Newcastle.

But, while Villa's engine has malfunctioned quicker than Nico Rosberg's, Ronald Koeman's men have showed the staying power of Lewis Hamilton.

Second-placed Saints are the only side looking capable of stopping leaders Chelsea from taking the chequered flag before Easter after winning 11 of their last 12 games in all competitions.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Jordan Watkins: Hope @ShaneLong7 bangs in a couple tonight and cheer us baggies fans up. He loves scoring against the Villa after all

Rian Hoskins: While Nathaniel Clyne has got the praise he deserves, Ryan Bertrand has been overlooked. Been outstanding for Southampton.

Player chat

Injured Villa defender Philippe Senderos: Come on Villa! Let's do this tonight. I will be back very soon hopefully.

Team News

Aston Villa make three changes, all in defence, as Alan Hutton, Ciaran Clark and Jores Okore all start. Captain Ron Vlaar is among those missing.

Southampton make just one alteration, Republic of Ireland striker Shane Long replacing the injured Steven Davis.

Villa: Guzan, Hutton, Okore, Clark, Cissokho, Sanchez, Westwood, Cleverley, Weimann, N'Zogbia, Agbonlahor

Saints: Forster, Clyne, Fonte, Alderweireld, Bertrand, Wanyama, Schneiderlin, Tadic, Mane, Long, Pelle

Get involved

Football is a fickle game. We all know that. But Aston Villa's change of fortunes has been remarkable. What has gone wrong Villa fans? Or was it ever right and just masked by a few half-decent displays early doors against some mediocre sides (including Liverpool)?

Tweet using #bbcfootball, post on our Facebook page, or send a message to 81111 if the humble text is still your communication method of choice.

The floor is yours. So lose your inhibitions and don't be afraid to embarrass yourself.

Getty Images

Now Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert wishes he could become a Time Lord and do the past 72 days differently. After that triumph at Anfield, his team lost six straight matches before ending that horror run with a 0-0 draw at West Ham ahead of the recent international break.

Seven matches. One goal scored. Thirteen goals conceded. Grim reading for Lambert and a record which would even see 'The Doctor' throw in the towel to the Daleks.

Getty Images

Let's jump in our BBC Sport TARDIS and head back 72 days to 13 September. A time when Birmingham, or specifically the Aston suburb of the Second City, was a different place.

It was a place where positivity lingered in the autumnal air. It was a place where football fans were optimistically thinking of an European trip next season. It was a place where Aston Villa were second in the Premier League table.

A 1-0 win at Liverpool meant Paul Lambert's men were flying high. Even Villa centre-half Philippe Senderos, as our picture shows, looked surprised....

A lot can happen in 72 days.

Getty Images

US reality TV star Kim Kardashian squeezed in a £10m wedding, a luxury fortnight's honeymoon in the Mediterranean and a hasty divorce settlement during her short-lived romance with NBA star Kris Humphries.

In the football world, four different men breezed in and out of the manager's office at Championship side Watford.

Getty Images

And Aston Villa have wheezed through 72 days of Premier League action without managing a single win. That's about as long as it took Roy Keane to grow that beard.