Lambert praises second-half showing

Paul Lambert lauded Aston Villa’s second-half display as they gave high-flying Arsenal a fright in Monday’s 2-1 Premier League loss.

Villa had proved tough to break down until a quick-fire double in the first half put Arsenal into a strong lead at Villa Park.

Jack Wilshere opened the scoring, capping off a fine Arsenal move with a controlled left- footed finish, and the England international turned provider for Olivier Giroud with a chipped pass that the Frenchman controlled and slotted beyond Brad Guzan.

The hosts almost mounted a late comeback, however, as Christian Benteke stooped low to head home Matthew Lowton’s superb cross and end an 11-game drought without a goal in the Premier League.

That goal reinvigorated the hosts, who applied plenty of pressure in the closing stages, but were unable to find the leveller.

And Lambert was thrilled with the response of his side after the break, and feels Villa could have taken a point from the fixture.

“Second half we were excellent,” the manager said. “We looked great and a real threat. We were lifted by the goal, it’s not easy playing Arsenal, they are title contenders but everybody can see we gave them a game.

“You have to give us credit. We came into it but we might have snuck a draw.”

The Scot also confirmed centre-back Nathan Baker had suffered a concussion after taking a blow in the face from a Serge Gnabry strike in the first half, an incident he felt had hindered his side’s progress.

He added: “Nathan Baker was concussed, he took a blow to the side of his head. That was dangerous and it rocked us a bit, we
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had worked all week on the system but thankfully he’s a lot better.

“He throws himself into things, that’s what he does.”