Dean Smith: Aston Villa must maintain the momentum

Aston Villa manager, Dean Smith, has said he was not carried away with their brilliant start to the season after a last-gasp 1-0 win at Leicester.

Ross Barkley’s added-time strike in a game low on quality lifted Villa, who escaped relegation by just one point in July, to second place and within a point of leaders Everton.

It extended the only 100 percent record in Europe’s top five leagues and is the first time since 1930-31 Villa have won their opening four league matches.

read also:Aston Villa’s Barkley late winner breaks Leicester City’s back

“We take it one game at a time as always,” Smith said.

“We never get too high when winning and never got too low last season fighting relegation. We have to stay on an even keel.

“This was a big win, I know they had some players missing but if you are off your game at any stage in the Premier League you can get a bloody nose very quickly.

“It was a very tight game, a scrappy game at times. It needed a little bit of quality to win the game and Ross certainly showed that at the end.”

On-loan Chelsea midfielder Barkley scored his second goal in as many games, and as many as he managed in his last 42 appearances before his move to Villa Park.

Smith revealed Barkley was a fitness doubt before the match, which is why he ran over to celebrate with team doctor Ricky Shamji after scoring.

“He’s had a bit of a knee injury so it was touch and go whether he would start,” added the Villa boss.

“He only trained on Saturday but he has done a lot of work with the doc so he’s nursed him through 90-plus minutes and a winner. I’ve certainly thanked the doc as well.”