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Scott Sinclair challenges himself, Aston Villa to prove doubters wrong

Scott Sinclair insists he will not dodge the critics -- even if he sees them pick Aston Villa apart.

The forward has refused to shy away from the doubters and watches TV programs like the BBC's Match of the Day despite the disparaging reviews.

Villa host Arsenal on Sunday in danger of being cut adrift at the bottom of the Premier League. The Villans are eight points below the safety line.

They have not won since the opening day of the season and have just six points -- no team has ever escaped relegation with such a small points tally this stage of the season.

Sinclair believes it can spur Villa on as he aims to prove the critics wrong.

He said: "I heard through the TV and Match of the Day so it inspires you even more.

"Sometimes when you're not doing so good you've got to listen to the criticism and take it on board.

"You have to face up and your character to show you can change it around. I listen and it's up to you and the team to change that and make everyone think differently.

"Writing us off and saying no one has ever done it gives you that extra bit of drive to be the only team to get out of it."

Villa set a club record for their longest winless league run after Saturday's 1-1 draw at Southampton made it 14 games without a victory.

But Sinclair still believes they can stay up despite winning just once all season.

He said: "There are still 23 games left in the season so there is still time to turn it around. If we can stop losing games and start picking up points along the way hopefully we can start turning it around."