Noel Whelan believes Aston Villa has fallen well below expectations so far this campaign after their heavy spending during the summer transfer window.

Whelan said it was time for head coach Dean Smith and the players to take joint responsibility ahead of the next matches.

Villa spent nearly £ 90million during the summer transfer window, bringing Danny Ings, Emi Buendia and Leon Bailey as ambitious owners to Wes Edens and Naseef Sawiris aiming for a better finish this season than the 11th position.

The 46-year-old insisted he expected more from the West Midlands after buying additions.

“Everyone expected more after Aston Villa signings,” he told Football Insider. “Emi Buendia and Danny Ings walked in, and Ollie Watkins came back from injury.

“Everyone expected them to be right up there in the table, probing in the top six.

“They’ve had two disappointing results and performances on the rebound now.

“To be two to zero in a derby match and to fold completely, then on the weekend they showed their weaknesses at the back.”

Whelan then added that Smith will be “gutted” for how the start of the campaign has gone so far, but responsibility must be taken “collectively” to move forward.

“Smith will be gutted, bitterly disappointed with how their season started, especially since so many people were excited about the prospect of them this season,” he said.

“Collectively, the players must assume their responsibilities with the manager. “

Villa is currently 13th in the Premier League, having lost five games in the first nine games.

They will host West Ham, fourth, at Villa Park on Sunday, October 31 (kick off 4:30 p.m.).

What do you think Smith needs to do to get Villa back on track? Give your opinion in the comments section …

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