Awful - Can this season get any worse?

Villa was squashed by Man City today 4-nil.  City's Balotelli got a hat trick and led City as they destroyed Villa.  What is going on?  All of a sudden, I have had a sense of fear develop inside of me as the bottom of the table looms.  How do we get out of this slump and get a couple of decent results?  It is scary eight now. I don't want to use the "R" word - so I won't.  I want to hold on to hope...for now.

Scoring Summary

Manchester City	Aston Villa
Mario Balotelli (pen 8')
Joleon Lescott (13')
Mario Balotelli (27')
Mario Balotelli (pen 55')

Match Stats

Manchester City

Aston Villa

13(6)	Shots (on Goal)	9(4)
14	Fouls	14
8	Corner Kicks	6
2	Offsides	0
50%	Time of Possession	51%
1	Yellow Cards	2
0	Red Cards	0
4	Saves	2