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Aston Villa’s under-fire players need to transform their own fortunes, according to stand-in boss Eric Black.

Brad Guzan, Micah Richards, Joleon Lescott and Leandro Bacuna were all subjected to individual abuse from the stands as Villa were battered 4-0 by Chelsea.

It was the most toxic atmosphere Villa Park has seen in recent times as frustrations continued to boil over.

Black said: “They’re professional football players, they’re paid to play and you can’t protect them out there.

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“We can do as much as we can to prepare them, mentally, physically, tactically, but once they go over the line they’re paid to be professional players.

“That’s the responsibility they’re given and they have to deal with it.”

Villa’s caretaker boss admitted that he understands why the claret and blue faithful were so angered.

Asked whether he will consider leaving out some of those who have been subjected to boos, Black replied:

“I can understand what you’re saying, however we’ve not got automatic replacements.

“We’ve got one or two who can come in.

“The players are disappointed. But they’re not bottom of the league because they’re the best team in the division.

“The only thing we can do is get the supporters back on side and the only way we can do that is by doing it on the pitch.

“The body language is important.

“The punters need to get something back. It’s not their responsibility anymore.

“This club needs to be moving on and getting back to the level it should be.”