Lambert wants swift response

Paul Lambert insists there is no point dwelling on the nightmare start to the festive period as they aim to get back on track against Wigan.

Last Updated: 28/12/12 at 14:06 Post Comment

Paul Lambert: Hoping for a swift response from his side

Paul Lambert: Hoping for a swift response from his side

Villa were comprehensively brushed aside 8-0 at Chelsea last weekend - their biggest-ever defeat in the Premier League era - before being outplayed 4-0 at home by Tottenham on Boxing Day.

The double whammy, which came after a solid six-match unbeaten run that included a 3-1 win at Liverpool, leaves Villa in 19th place in the table at the halfway stage of the season, just three points above tomorrow's opponents Wigan, who currently occupy the final relegation spot.

But Lambert, as positive as ever, insists the only way is forward and not back.

"I think I have always said that even when you win you let it go as quick as you can. You have to get it out of your system - the two defeats - as best we can," he said.

"If someone had said you'd take three points from Liverpool, Chelsea and Tottenham I think everyone would bite your hand off.

"But because you've been smacked twice everyone thinks 'oh, here we go' but I can't let two games distract from what we are trying to build here."

Lambert added: "You have to respond. There's no point in going out there and feeling sorry for yourself given the amount of people who come and watch us.

"We have to to try to rectify it and that's what we'll do. We are hurt like anyone else but you try not to beat yourself up about it."

Villa are certainly facing a defining month-long period in their season with their next four league games against Wigan, Swansea, Southampton and West Brom coming amid a two-legged Capital One Cup semi-final versus Bradford and an FA Cup tie at home to Ipswich.

But, as far as the immediate short-term is concerned, Lambert is happy to see the games coming quickly as the club look to respond to embarrassing back-to-back defeats.

"That's the good thing about it, you've only got a couple of days before you go again," he said.

"And after this one (Wigan) it's the same for the Swansea game.

"The games are on you thick and fast."

The midlands outfit have undoubtedly struggled due to injury this season, with defender Nathan Baker the latest to enter the treatment room after he was forced off with a hamstring problem just before half-time against Spurs.

Baker joins captain Ron Vlaar (calf), Gabriel Agbonlahor (thigh), Charles N'Zogbia (knee), Darren Bent (hamstring), Richard Dunne (groin) and Andreas Weimann (calf) on the sidelines.

It has meant Lambert, in his first season at the helm, has ever-increasingly had to turn to youth, but the Scot is adamant that is not the reason for his side's struggles this term.

"As I've said before, over the last few years this club has had loads of experienced players and the situation has not really changed," he said.

"Experienced players won't always take you where you want to go. I know that from my own experience, I've got a belief in the way we are doing it in the long-term this club will be great.

"There's no point me saying we're down there because of inexperience. This club was battling against relegation last season."

Football365 Facebook Fan Page

The Football365 fan page is a great place to meet like minded people, have football related discussions and make new friends.

Related News

Sky Bet

    • Retrieving latest Sky Bet odds

Most Commented

Readers' Comments

R

afa Benitez has won more trophies (10) over the past 11 years than the rest of the current managers in the EPL combined, except for Alex Ferguson.

angry bird
Chelsea duo salute Benitez

T

he day Tonys hat goes missing for some bantz will be different story altogether..

TheBrestEver
Stoke probe 'banter gone wild'

I

m starting to think Roman may never actually be happy at the top level. If he wants all conquering fancy football I wonder if he'd be better off buying a lower division side then paying outlandish salaries to attract high caliber players too good for the division.

john matrix
The Most Unsatisfying European Victory...

Footer 365

The SPL meet again on Monday to try and thrash out a deal for the Scottish game

The SPL meet again at Hampden Park on Monday to try and thrash out a deal for the reconstruction of Scottish football.

Transfer News: Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert in talks to keep Christian Benteke

Paul Lambert is determined to keep Christian Benteke at Aston Villa next season despite interest from elsewhere.

Transfer news: Arsene Wenger to spend in summer to help Arsenal kick on

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has vowed to invest in new players and use this season as a springboard for success.

Mail Box

Arsenal Should Be Praised For Finishing Fourth

Arsenal fans are largely positive after their top four finish, whilst one wag suggest buying Bale from their rivals. We also have an interesting final mail. Enjoy...

James Collins Is Only 29. Tough Paper Round

He is one of a number of solid shouts for players that look old before their time. We also have the final words on lovely D-Beck and a rejection of end of season playoffs...

© 2013 British Sky Broadcasting Ltd. All Rights Reserved