Lambert defends Villa style

Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert has hit back at claims that his side only play long-ball football.

Villa have come in for criticism this season for their style of play, with Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho among those to question their tactics after a 2-1 victory over Lambert’s side last month.

Those sentiments were echoed by Tottenham coach Andre Villas-Boas in midweek after the London club came through their League Cup third-round clash 4-0.

But the Scot was not happy with either manager’s comments, and ahead of the Premier League fixture with Manchester City on Saturday he claims that his side merely play to their strengths.

“It’s detrimental to say things like that,” he said.

“If you look at your stats, how many long balls Chelsea played against us, I’m pretty sure we weren’t ahead of them.

“We might play a long pass but we don’t just kick it up front and hope for the best. It’s not right to say that about us. We try to pass it and try to play football in the right way.”

Villa face City hoping to record back-to-back Premier League victories following their triumph over Norwich at Carrow Road last time out.