Axel Tuanzebe: Aston Villa will take "A" game into Championship play-offs

The Manchester United loanee believes Dean Smith’s men still have momentum on their side despite Sunday’s 1-1 draw at Leeds snapping a club record 10-match winning run.

Villa were made to battle for a point after Anwar El Ghazi was sent-off and Tuanzebe said: “Did we maintain momentum? Definitely. We were able to maintain the togetherness.

“That comes from a build up of confidence from winning the previous games. It just builds and builds and the team becomes closer and closer.

“You want to keep going and getting better. You don’t want to be the one who lets the team down. Everyone is bringing their A game to make sure they perform.”

Tuanzebe was back in the team for the trip to Elland Road, having missed the recent 1-0 win over Bolton through injury.

The 21-year-old has quickly gotten up to speed since returning from a three-month lay-off last month following foot surgery and admits increased competition for places at the back is helping to drive him on.

In addition to Tuanzebe, boss Smith now has Tyrone Mings, Kortney Hause, Tommy Elphick, James Chester and Mile Jedinak competing for two places.

“That is healthy. It keeps everyone sharp and alert and is also good to rotate,” said Tuanzebe. “There are a lot of games in this league and rotation of players is never a bad thing.

“To get the best out of the team you sometimes have to put in fresh legs. That might mean sitting on the bench a game or two but that should not be a problem. It is for the good of the team.”

On a personal level, Tuanzebe admitted to having been fired-up further by Villa's fans, who have made him the subject of a popular terrace chant to the tune of Bad Manners' Two Tone classic, Lip up Fatty.

He said: "It gets you pumped and gets you going. You just want to run that bit harder for the team. The song is great as well.

"I have heard the original a couple of times and I think it is alright. I think this one is better though!"