TIM SHERWOOD believes that Aston Villa’s defeat to Swansea is just a “setback” in their fight to avoid the drop.

The Villans have been on a good run in recent weeks, winning their previous two league matches and climbing out of the bottom three in the process.

But a goal from striker Bafetimbi Gomis in the 87 minute left the Midlands club just three points above the relegation zone.
“That’s the second time it’s happened now,” said a disappointed Sherwood.

“(It happened) in my first game against Stoke — although that (Stoke winner) was a little bit later. It’s disappointing to lose in that manner.

And despite the joy of last week when they strolled to a 4-0 victory over Sunderland, Sherwood is still aware of the task in front of him and his team.

He said: “It’s a reality check, not for us because we knew there’s a lot of work to be done, but perhaps for people looking in from the outside.

“Every point is vital and we need to pick up as many as we can to keep ourselves safe.

“We want to do it as quickly as we possibly can, but sometimes you get a kick in the … and that happened to us today. It’s a setback but we’ll pick ourselves up, we’ll be all right.”

The victory for Swansea, their 12th of the season, moved the Welsh club up to eighth as they look to secure their highest league finish since the 1981-82 season.

“A lot of people have been questioning what we have got to play for. We’re not going to get relegated but we’re not fighting for Europe,” said manager Garry Monk.

“I think that showed the character, focus and spirit in the squad today. We continue to fight and push for the three points.”