Gabby Agbonlahor still positive on Aston Villa

Villa are still third in the Premier League table following their flying start to the season, with the small matter of a trip to Chelsea next up on Saturday.

A sickness bug ate into the group's stamina levels against the Gunners, but Agbonlahor doesn't think the players need to panic after one slip-up.

He said: "I think we started the game brightly. But I think there were a few key factors that cost us the game.

"The sickness meant people were thrown in late on who haven't really played all season, players that carried on and played through the virus and I think that cost us.

"We'll keep positive. We've had a kick in the teeth but we'll be back and will stay positive against Chelsea."

Jose Mourinho's men are sitting pretty at the top of the table but, after the recent win at Anfield, the 27-year-old is targeting another shock.

He said: "We're going to regroup and have a good week of training. We will get rid of the virus that a few players have got. And then we will go to Stamford Bridge and try and get something.

"We know it will tough. They're a top side. We know we need to be 100 per cent and we'll give it all we've got."

Meanwhile, boss Paul Lambert has hinted that Christian Benteke could return for Villa after the Chelsea clash.

The striker is battling back from an Achilles injury but Lambert said: "I'm not sure if (the Chelsea game) might be a bit early, but you're looking not too far after that I think.

"He has trained this past week with no ill effects. He's not too far away now."