Lambert keeping the faith with Villa

Paul Lambert remains confident in Aston Villa’s ability to improve despite missing out on three points after a 1-1 home draw with Norwich City.

Villa went ahead 27 minutes in thanks to a Christian Benteke goal, but they were set back by the dismissal of defender Joe Bennett and Michael Turner’s late header following a corner secured a point for Norwich.

Villa have struggled under the guidance of their new manager so far this campaign, claiming just six points from nine games, and find themselves only two points above the relegation zone in 17th place.

However, Lambert assured fans of his determination to correct his team’s poor early season form.

“I’ve got belief we’ll be totally fine. I’ve got great belief in them. At the start of every game I think we can win it and I won’t change my thinking,” Lambert said.

Lambert voiced his frustration at the lax defending behind the Norwich equaliser, and highlighted the inexperience of their back four.

He did, however, praise the performance of goalkeeper Brad Guzan after a string of impressive saves helped deny Norwich the win.

“We switched off at the corner. At this level, you cannot switch off,” he said.

“They were defending really strongly, we were excellent, putting our bodies on the line, to say we had one recognised centre-half.

“(Guzan is) in world-class form at the moment. He’s a top goalkeeper. I think the club’s fortunate to have two world-class goalkeepers, I really do. Brad is playing really well at the minute.”

Norwich boss Chris Hughton, meanwhile, was grateful for the point his side gained despite having several opportunities to take all three.

“The fact that we were 1-0 down and had to get back to 1-1 is better,” Hughton said.

“It was a real opportunity for us, but you’ve also got to give Villa credit. They have to defend it and they defended it sufficiently enough in that last period.

“I’m delighted. In this Premier League points are so tough to come by, so if you’re able to perform you hope you’re able to pick up points to go with it.

“Four points from two games, including a game away from home, was always going to be really tough and we need to maintain that kind of form.”