Stewart Downing believes Aston Villa are in contention for fourth place in the Premier League despite the amount of points they have dropped recently.

Aston Villa are the lone undefeated club in the top flight in 2010, although they have only recorded three wins from 10 games thus far this year.

Villa sit four points behind Tottenham for the last Champions League spot, after their 1-1 draw against Sunderland on Wednesday.

Though the team has had some disappointing results recently, Downing is sure Villa can still win out the race to fourth place this season.

"We had a few people suffering with injuries the other night which took its toll in the end," he told Sky Sports.

"We were out on our feet at the end but we've got a big game Saturday (away at Chelsea) so we've got to get ready for that and I think the race for fourth spot is still wide open.

"Manchester City lost at home to Everton, who are catching some people up. We've still got to play Everton and there are some good games to play. We've just got to keep picking up points, starting with Saturday.

"Whoever puts two or three wins together will be in a good position. There will be no slacking from us.

"There are a lot of twists and turns still to go and I think it will go to the wire. We've just got to keep calm and playing the way we are because we will create chances."