5 games that cost Roberto Di Matteo the Aston Villa job

October 1, 2016: Preston North End 2-0 Aston Villa (Championship)

McCormack couldn’t pull a goal back from the penalty spot – Photo: Marc Atkins / Offside.

The final nail in the coffin, Saturday’s disappointing 2-0 defeat away to Preston.

The start of a new month, October, could not change the fortunes of Villa’s disappointing league form as Di Matteo’s last game in charge of Aston Villa came at Deepdale.

Preston, who started the day level on points with the visitors (10), but with worse goal difference, were in front inside five minutes as Ben Pearson beat goalkeeper Mark Bunn from 12 yards out.

Simon Grayson’s side then doubled their advantage shortly before half-time, with Jordan Hugill slotting home the hosts’ second strike.

To make matters worse, the normally prolific Ross McCormack had a penalty saved late on, before Di Matteo was out the door come Monday morning…