SOME of the pre-match talk was of unrest and disquiet in the Saints camp.

Unfortunately, if those responsible for printing such stories in the past week were looking for vindication, events on the Villa Park pitch seemed to back them up.

Within minutes Jason Dodd and Antti Niemi were exchanging words following a mix-up which almost allowed Carlton Cole in.

Niemi looked frustrated with his entire defence for Darius Vassell's opener and had reason to be disappointed with Claus Lundekvam for the second.

There were also words exchanged between David Prutton and Danny Higginbotham following the second, while Niemi looked furious with Higginbotham when the centre-back slid in to make a clearance from a ball the Finn had covered just before the break.

The major flash-point came, though, during the second-half. Niemi was exchanging words with Lundekvam following another mix-up in the defence, when Prutton decided to run back from midfield to add his two-pennysworth.

It wasn't appreciated and Niemi duly sent him on his way with a shove in the face.

If only similar passion was being shown towards the Aston Villa players.

In fairness, the catalyst for the frustrations was events on the pitch and manager Paul Sturrock played down the incident, saying: "That's football.

"They got a wee bit excited, but they are very respective of each other and I'm sure it will all be shaking hands and having a laugh about it."

It's impossible for outsiders to know the absolute truth of stories of internal tension, but certainly a week watching the squad train in Sweden last month only provided evidence of togetherness, camaraderie and professionalism.

Of far more relevance, you sense, are the footballing problems which screamed out on Saturday from virtually every corner of the park.

The absence of Michael Svensson, Matt Oakley and James Beattie running through the centre of the team was obvious.

For different reasons, doubt surrounds the imminent return of this trio and, together, they do leave a gaping hole.

But also worrying is the fact that settled choices out on the flanks have still not emerged.

Fabrice Fernandes performed adequately on the right, but left-midfield remains a major problem.

Mikael Nilsson and Anders Svensson shared the duties on Saturday, but perhaps the time has come to give Leandre Griffit, left, an extended opportunity.

Another option is to bring in Jelle van Damme alongside Graeme Le Saux.

Whatever, after a year of chopping and changing, the quicker a settled line-up can be found, the better.

Following a Premiership best finish, an FA Cup final, a UEFA Cup adventure and a Champions League position at Christmas, Saints fans enjoyed a memorable 2003.

But the momentum has swung in 2004.

New boss Paul Sturrock has had a horrible run of injuries to some key players and it remains extremely early days in the new season.

But the job right now is to rediscover some confidence and a 'feelgood factor' ahead of Saturday's first home game against Blackburn.

Keeping James Beattie would be a great start.