*Watford condemned bottom club Aston Villa to their 11th defeat in 14 Premier League games.*

Odion Ighalo poked home to give the visitors the lead, but Micah Richards’ header levelled it before half-time.

The Hornets lost goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes to a head injury, but Alan Hutton’s own goal and Troy Deeney’s bullet header put them in control.

Jordan Ayew’s shot found the corner to give Villa hope but they could not equalise in 10 minutes of injury time.

The result means Aston Villa, on five points, have equalled the league record for the lowest points tally after 14 matches of a season.

And no Premier League team has ever avoided relegation having accumulated five points or fewer after 13 games.

Watford, meanwhile, climb to 11th, nine points above the relegation zone and five off the European places.

As well as the Premier League points record, Villa have also equalled two unwanted club records. They have gone 13 league games without victory, and eight home matches in the league without a win.

It was a much improved performance from Remi Garde’s side, especially in the first half, compared with their 4-0 drubbing against Everton.

They dominated possession throughout, but their defensive frailties were exposed once again.

Watford’s opener could have been avoided had the Villa defence cleared their lines before Ighalo latched on to Ben Watson’s volley.

Meanwhile, Deeney got between defenders Kieran Richardson and Ciaran Clark and rose above the duo for Watford’s third.

*I promise them things will change*

Ayew netted Villa’s second in emphatic style. He controlled, turned and hit a thunderous strike into the bottom corner past substitute keeper Giedruis Arlauskis, who had come on to replace the injured Gomes.

However, it was not enough to rescue a share of the points and his side are now languishing seven points from safety.

But the Ghana international urged the Villa fans to keep the faith in the team.

“I understand the supporters’ view, it is a big club but we need the support from them,” said the 24-year-old.

“This season is difficult but I believe we can stay in the Premier League. They have to keep supporting us and I promise them things will change.”

‘The players aren’t letting the shirt down’