Eric Black: Villa players must take the flak

Supporters chanted "you're not fit to wear the shirt" at players and held up banners protesting against owner Randy Lerner as Chelsea cruised to a 4-0 win at Villa Park.

Villa, bottom of the Premier League since October having won just three times all season, could now be relegated if they fail to beat Bournemouth next Saturday.

Black took charge of the team this week following manager Remi Garde's departure.

He admitted he can offer no protection to his players and believes they must take their share of responsibility for the club's disastrous campaign.

He said: "I can understand the fans' frustrations. But they're professional football players, they're paid to play and you can't protect them out there.

"We can do as much as we can to prepare them, mentally, physically, tactically, but once they go over the line they're paid to be professional players.

"That's the responsibility they're given and they have to deal with it."

Supporters held up banners which read 'Proud history, what future?'

While, in another indication of the divide between fans and players, Villa's Leandro Bacuna was loudly booed after coming on as a second half substitute.

Black went on: "It's not pleasant. It hasn't been over-pleasant since I've been here.

"It's not been enjoyable in regards to that, however I can fully understand the atmosphere.

"The supporters are frustrated and probably I would be if I had only seen a few victories.

"It's a massive turnaround required now at the club and we're going about the right way in doing that by employing some of the new people.

"The only thing we can do is get the supporters back on side and the only way we can do that is by doing it on the pitch. The body language is important."

A much-changed Chelsea side were two up at the break, after Reuben Loftus-Cheek and Alexandre Pato netted their first Premier League goals, the latter from the penalty spot in first-half stoppage time.

Pedro then netted twice in the first 15 minutes of the second half to leave Villa with an exercise in damage limitation.

Black continued: "They are professional players and there are a lot of disappointed players in there. It has been happening now for all of this season.

"We think we are in games and it's basic errors at times, basic errors which means we concede goals, or should score but we don't score, should make that pass but we don't quite make it.

"That is the life of being a football player, you are either good enough to cope with it or not.

"The reaction is irrelevant to me to be honest. I can kick something, I can throw something no problem.

"It is out there you change people's minds and not in the dressing room."