Garde wants Villa humility, praises Lescott’s ‘serenity’

Ian Watson
Joleon Lescott Aston Villa TEAMtalk

Joleon Lescott: On his way to Greece

Remi Garde insisted Aston Villa must remain humble after finally clinching his first win as boss.

Wayne Hennessey’s error gifted Joleon Lescott the winner as Villa claimed a 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace on Tuesday evening.

It ended their 19-match winless run in the Barclays Premier League and closed the gap to safety to eight points.

However, Villa remain bottom of the table and Garde refused to get carried away following their first league win since the opening day of the season.

“We have to stay very humble it’s only three points,” he said after his 11th match in charge.

“We are far away from what we all want. Of course this victory could give us a little bit more confidence

“I also want to insist on the way we played. The different between Villa and Palace didn’t reflect the table.

“I want my players to be more confident and hopefully that’s what will happen.”

Lescott was criticised at the weekend after being accused of playing a game involving chewing gum with Brad Guzan while they were substitutes during the 1-1 FA Cup draw at Wycombe.

The pair received some boos from the crowd before the game, but Garde insisted he needs the former England international in his side.

“I didn’t speak with Joleon about this stuff,” he said. “I am pleased with the way he gave an answer but not an answer regarding this fact.

“He is an experienced player and should be very important for the team.

“He spreads serenity and calm. He knows the game and is a player I can rely on. He is not as young as he used to be, I try to manage him and others as best I can.”

Palace have now failed to score in their last four league games and the closest they came at Villa Park was when Wilfried Zaha hit the post inside the first minute.