Tyrone Mings: Aston Villa can’t get complacent
Tyrone Mings has warned Villa cannot afford to get complacent despite their promising start to the season.
Dean Smith’s team, who avoided relegation by a single point last term, have won their opening two matches of the Premier League campaign.
Villa next face Stoke in the Carabao Cup fourth round tomorrow night and Mings said: “We have seen what a cup run did for us last season when we were in a bit of a sticky situation, just before lockdown.
“We had a final to look forward to and it gave us something else to focus on. Continuing the momentum in the cup on Thursday is important. So is not taking anything for granted. It is a very unforgiving league and you don’t get points very easily.
“Everything we do, we have to work for, every time we step onto the pitch we know we have to give 100 per cent. We need to build on what we are doing and keep working hard.”
Villa, who have spent more than £75million during the current transfer window, are still aiming to add players before Monday’s deadline.
Strengthening midfield has become a top priority and boss Smith is hopeful of signing either Ross Barkley or Ruben Loftus-Cheek from Chelsea.
Barkley is expected to be available on an initial loan with an obligation to buy next summer but the 26-year-old has several offers to consider.
A straight loan move for Loftus-Cheek appears the most likely deal at this point, with Chelsea boss Frank Lampard having confirmed the 24-year-old may be allowed out.
