Manager Gerard Houllier has admitted he is “worried” by Villa’s league position after insisting they can “blame no-one but themselves” for their defeat at Blackburn.

Villa slipped to 13th in the Premier League following yesterday’s 2-0 loss to Rovers courtesy of Morten Gamst Pedersen’s double, leaving them three points off the relegation zone but, by the same token, just five away from a European spot.

The manager has collected just 10 points from a possible 27 since he took charge and, when asked if he took notice of the table at such an early stage, admitted his concern.

He said: “I don’t wait until May, I look at it now. We have lost 12 points.

“We were ahead against Stoke, Tottenham, Manchester United and Fulham. Had we lost maybe one third or half we would be over 20 points and be in a more comfortable situation.

“Of course I am worried about it, but everything is tight.”

Pedersen’s opener came on the stroke of half-time after a needless foul by Stephen Warnock on El-Hadji Diouf, with goalkeeper Brad Friedel culpable after being caught in no-man’s land by the Norwegian’s inswinging free-kick from out wide.

Houllier said: “The free-kick was avoidable, we need to learn the lesson. There was no danger, we knew they were very efficient from free-kicks, throw-ins and corners, we can’t blame anybody except ourselves.

“We were too shy despite the fact we had chances to score. Physically and mentally it was a different challenge and we have to accept that. We need to learn from that, there’s no point blaming anyone.

“As a team we have to show more character.”

With Marc Albrighton and James Collins ruled out and Jonathan Hogg nursing an ankle injury post-match, Houllier bemoaned Villa’s mammoth list of casualties and admitted patience must be shown with their youngsters.

He said: “I don’t think I have the opportunity to have the same team from one game to another. We’ll see for Marc, but James should be OK against Arsenal.

“I couldn’t give Barry Bannan a rest in midweek because he was with Scotland. He looked drained. Hogg twisted his ankle.

“We have many young players. You’ve got to be patient and not put too much pressure on them.

“They play without fear and sometimes they make mistakes.”