Danny Ings is keen to continue to momentum from last weekend’s 4-0 triumph over Brentford as Aston Villa travel to Newcastle United this weekend.
The Villans struck three times inside the opening 14 minutes at Villa Park to brush aside the Bees, adding a fourth after the break to secure all three points in style.
Striker Ings was delighted to bag a brace, taking his tally for the season to four goals from 12 appearances in all competitions, although admitted he was frustrated not to walk away with the matchball.
“It’s always pleasing to score goals, it’s my job,” Ings told VillaTV.
“It’s been a strange start for me this season, I’ve been in and out, in and out, and I haven’t been able to find enough of a rhythm or momentum.
“So, to score two goals was fantastic, but I was angry I didn’t get a third to be honest.”
Villa travel to the north-east on Saturday to take on a Magpies side who are unbeaten in seven and have won four of their last five matches.
Ings acknowledges it will be a tough encounter but says confidence is high in the Villa camp as they prepare for the St James’ Park clash.
“Training has been positive (this week), obviously after a good result, naturally there’s always going to be a high around the training ground, everybody’s going to be in a good mood,” he said.
“It’s a massive challenge against a very strong opponent, who are in a good moment.
“So, for us, it’s all about the right preparation and mindset going into that game.”
Ings added: “I feel tactically they’ve come a long way under Eddie.
“I know Eddie, I know how good a coach he is and how good a manager he is, so it’s going to be extremely difficult.
“But it’s a game we’re going to go into with extreme confidence off the back of the last game, and I’m sure if we get our tactical elements right then we can really make it hard for them and hopefully get the win.”
This week saw the appointment of Unai Emery as the club’s new head coach, with the Spaniard taking over from November 1 after his work permit formalities are completed.
Emery joins from Villarreal, whom he led to Europa League success in 2021 as well as the semi-finals of the Champions League last season.
The highly-experienced coach has also lifted silverware with Sevilla and Paris Saint-Germain, and Ings admits he and his team-mates are excited to work under the club’s new head coach.
“Of course, it’s sad when a manager does leave, I’ve said it before, you do feel like you’re responsible,” said Ings.
“When that was announced (Emery’s appointment), I think the lads were excited and ready to work under him and see how far it takes us as a group.
“Hopefully he was watching the game at the weekend, which I’m sure he was, and for us, we just need to keep bringing that energy.
“And with his guidance, hopefully we’ll be where we need to be.”
