Remi Garde: Villa confidence is fragile

The Frenchman admitted his side could not have conceded goals at a worse time as two strikes from Harry Kane, either side of half-time, condemned them to a 20th Premier League loss for the season.

Despite being under the cosh, Villa looked likely to reach half-time level only to lose concentration in stoppage time, allowing Kane to pounce after Dele Alli had taken a quick free-kick.

It was a situation eerily similar to the previous weekend's game at Manchester City, when Villa were beaten 4-0 after conceding early in the second half.

And Garde conceded his team struggle to cope when they go behind.

"We conceded two goals in the worst period that you can imagine," he said. "The first one was a lack of concentration and lack of experience - we know currently that when we concede a goal we become fragile.

"We started the second half poorly like we did at Manchester City and at Stoke, we conceded a goal straight away and 2-0 down against Tottenham is very difficult.

"Yesterday, though, the attitude was right and the evidence was we could have drawn at the end. My assessment is that we lost to a better team."

Garde revealed Gabby Agbonlahor had missed the game with a thigh problem, after the striker was not included in the matchday squad.

Jack Grealish, meanwhile, remains a couple of weeks away from fitness as he looks to recover from a persistent ankle problem.

Villa, who are bottom of the league and nine points from safety, next go to Swansea on Saturday.

"We have to improve in a lot of areas," admitted Garde.