Brad Guzan has defended under-fire Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert and urged frustrated fans to blame the players.

The traveling supporters called for Lambert's head for the second straight game as they lost 1-0 at Leicester on Saturday.

Villa have won just twice in 17 Barclays Premier League games and sit three points above the drop zone following Paul Konchesky's winner.

They are the lowest scorers in the top four divisions with just 11 goals in 21 games. Lambert is under increasing pressure, but Guzan insists it is not all his fault.

"When you go through difficult times everyone has got to take their criticism," the keeper said. "The manager has been brilliant in defending us but we are the ones who have to score goals.

"He can't go and score for us, the assistant manager can't score for us, the goalkeeping coach can't score for us.

"Us as players have to take responsibility and I know the fans are unhappy, we hear them during the game, but they need to realise it's a difficult moment and we need to stick together.

"Regardless if they are unhappy with the manager or situation, we need to stick together because it's about the club.

"It's our job to defend, save shots, score, tackle, head pass – it's our job."

Ciaran Clark was sent off – Villa's fourth red card in six league games – after clashing with Matty James, who was also dismissed, in injury time.

Villa had the majority of possession but failed to seriously test Ben Hamer yet Guzan insisted their new patient style will come good.

He said: "We can sit here and lump the ball forward, hope for the best and try to pick up a second balls but who wants to watch that?

"We did that before and people weren't happy. Now we're keeping the ball and making teams defend and letting them chase around the pitch. We just need a little bit of magic to turn the corner."

Konchesky's strike could not lift the Foxes off the bottom of the table but they are just three points from the safety line.

They are unbeaten in four games in all competitions and were watched by striker Andrej Kramaric as he waits to complete a club record move from Croatian club Rijeka.

He will have a work permit hearing this week and boss Nigel Pearson is anxious to seal the deal.

"We've not heard any more from where we were. It's wait and see this week. The hearing's this week," he said.

"The players who are here recognise players who come in are not threats, just someone who will add to our chances of being successful.

"This is the key point. Anyone we add to the squad is precisely that. It does not take away."

Pearson was under pressure during a 13 game winless run which only ended last month and expects Villa to keep faith with Lambert.

"(The) last time I spoke to Paul was when I was in hot water for something that happened here (his row with a fan). We talk about it and aware of what happens at football clubs," he said.

"It can be very volatile, but you can't get distracted in what you believe in.

"Ultimately football clubs employ managers because they feel they are right to take the club forward and it is important for football clubs to stick with their managers.

"They have done with Paul and I would expect them to do so."

In related news, Aston Villa are closing in on the signing of Carles Gil from Valencia.

The club are expected to complete a deal for the attacker as their need for creativity grows.

Press Association Sport understands Valencia valued Gil around B£6million but Villa have negotiated over the fee as they did not want to pay over B£4million.

The 22-year-old's wages are not thought to be a problematic issue ahead of a switch to Villa Park and it is understood he should sign a five-year deal after flying into Birmingham on Monday.

Spain Under-21 international Gil, who plays as an attacking midfielder, came through the Valencia ranks and spent two years on loan at Elche before returning to the Mestalla at the start of this season.

Villa have scored just 11 goals in 21 Barclays Premier League games – the lowest total in England's top four divisions – and lost 1-0 at Leicester on Saturday to draw their fourth straight blank.

Afterwards, boss Paul Lambert, who has been linked with a move for Manchester City's Scott Sinclair, confirmed his desire to add more flair to his squad.

Lambert said: "We have to keep working hard, we need a bit more creativity. That's the only thing that is lacking from us. That's the disappointing thing.

"Money certainly helps but we will work within our way of working. Whether people cost B£9million or not you have to get the best out of it.

"Randy (Lerner, chairman) has been really good, we talk every couple of days. No doubt we will have chats after the weekend."