Tuesday, 25th November, 2014
Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert was pleased with his side’s defensive performance in their 1-1 draw with Southampton in the Premier League last night.
The Villains, who were without three of their first choice defenders in the form of Ron Vlaar, Philippe Senderos and Nathan Baker for the contest, took a 29th minute lead through Gabriel Agbonlahor.
It looked as if Aston Villa were going to bag the full three points at Villa Park, but a late Nathaniel Clyne strike shared the spoils for Southampton.
However Lambert, who felt a draw was a good result for his side, reserved special praise for his defenders Alan Hutton, Jores Okore and Ciaran Clark.
"I thought we were excellent in spells of the game. I thought there were massive plus points”, the manager explained to the club’s official site.
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"I thought Alan Hutton was excellent in his first game in a month. I thought the two young centre-backs were outstanding, I really did. I thought they were excellent.
"Jores Okore hasn't played for 14 months. And he was outstanding. Ciaran Clark took the lead and helped him. I thought Ciaran was excellent.
"We had two young guys at the heart of our defence. Ciaran has been in and out of the side but never lets you down every time he plays. Jores was outstanding.
"There were big pluses overall. It's a big point because they are a good side.”
Aston Villa, who are currently 16th in the Premier League table with 12 points from as many fixtures, will next face Burnley at Turf Moor at the weekend.
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