Remi Garde: Harsh words needed as Villa toiled

Villa set up a home clash with Manchester City as they finally despatched their lowly rivals with goals from Ciaran Clark and Idrissa Gana late into the second half last night.

But Garde said he was unhappy with his side's first half efforts and tempo after they were booed off at the break with the score at 0-0.

"It was always difficult and I have to congratulate Wycombe. In two games, they gave us some very difficult moments," said the Frenchman. "We had to step up our game in the second half to win the game."

Asked if some plain speaking was required in the home dressing room at half-time, Garde responded: "Of course I was not happy about our performance in the first half.

"We could have been more accurate with our passing and our tempo was not good. But the players gave me the right answers in the last 45 minutes."

Garde said he felt Villa's superior fitness also told as Wycombe faded late into the match but wants Villa to draw on the confidence that their four-match unbeaten run will bring ahead of the Saturday's derby with Albion at The Hawthorns.

"I've been very pleased with our performances. We have played Palace and Leicester and we have been very professional," he added.

"They were not easy games, of course we should take some confidence out of our last few games."

And looking forward to the derby clash, he added: "We know it will be a difficult game but it will be very interesting for us if we can continue this run. It will be very hopeful for the rest of the season for us to win."

Meanwhile, former Villa midfielder Lee Hendrie says Villa must beat the Baggies to have any hope of survival. Hendrie warned the club must take three points in Saturday's Hawthorns derby or 'they're doomed'.

Hendrie told Sky Sports last night: "I hate to say it as a Villa fan – but that's the way it is."