News: Eric Djemba-Djemba's future at Aston Villa could be in doubt after he blamed David O'Leary for the club's poor start to the season.

The Cameroon midfielder, who last week claimed he will demand talks if he is not given more first-team opportunities, believes the Villa manager's tactics have contributed to a run of only two victories in their opening 12 league matches, leaving the club fourth from bottom in the Premiership.

"It is the manager because the manager needs to change sometimes the team," said Djemba-Djemba. "When we lose every day he needs to see what is not working and try to change the team. If the manager doesn't try to do something to the team then maybe we can go to the Championship."

In the wake of his previous remarks it is highly likely that Djemba-Djemba, who has only made four starts for Villa since joining from Manchester United for £1.3 million in January, will face disciplinary action for his latest outburst.

Asked what is wrong with the team, the midfielder replied: "I think it is the tactics. Every time he just plays forwards. We need to keep the ball and try to play. If we do that we can score goals."

Djemba-Djemba, who has indicated that he will move to France or Spain if he leaves Villa, also reiterated his surprise at failing to hold down a regular starting place. "I am very disappointed because it is unbelievable," he said. "I came from a big team. The manager maybe does not understand me and how I play."

It is understood that the English FA are waiting for a response from O'Leary before deciding whether to charge the Villa manager for his criticism of Steve Bennett's refereeing during the 2-0 home defeat to Liverpool.

Meanwhile, amid fears that he is preparing a summer departure, Thierry Henry's Arsenal team-mates have begged him to commit his long-term future to the club. Henry, whose contract runs out at the end of next season, has refused to discuss a contract extension until the summer, forcing Arsene Wenger to backtrack from his initial insistence that the captain should sign before Christmas.

Despite becoming the club's all-time top scorer and taking over the captaincy after Patrick Vieira's departure to Juventus, Henry is seeking guarantees about Arsenal's ability to compete for European and domestic success.

Should he continue to refuse to sign a new contract, Arsenal could be forced to let him go for a knock-down price next summer or risk him leaving for free a year later.

Barcelona have made no secret of their interest in signing the striker, but Jose Antonio Reyes has urged Henry to follow his example and extend his contract at Arsenal rather than move.

"Thierry is a vitally important player for us and the entire team is encouraging him to sign with the club - not just me," he said. - Guardian Service