Villa unlucky in defeat, claims Lambert

Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert felt his side were unfortunate to lose, after going down 2-0 to Tottenham at Villa Park on Sunday.

Goals in either half from Andros Townsend and Roberto Soldado did the damage for Spurs as they extended their unbeaten record against Villa to 11 games in all competitions.

However, Lambert felt his side could have got something from the game, had they taken advantage of their chances, notably Christian Benteke's off-target header just after the hour.

Aston Villa boss Lambert remains hopeful over Benteke injury

The Belgium international striker did damage to his groin in his side's 1-0 win over Norwich at Carrow Road on Saturday but the Scot is optimistic he can make a quick recovery

Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert remains hopeful that Christian Benteke will not be out for long after suffering an injury against Norwich.

Villa's second away victory of the season - secured courtesy of  Libor Kozak's first goal for the club - was soured by the sight of last season's top scorer limping away from the action midway through the first half.

Benteke slipped when looking to control a ball out of defence and appeared to stretch his groin. He attempted to play on but was forced off, to be replaced by Kozak.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger surprised by Aston Villa's second penalty

Arsene Wenger conceded it was a 'huge surprise' when Aston Villa were awarded a second penalty after Arsenal started the new season with a 3-1 home defeat.

Olivier Giroud had given Arsenal an early lead before Christian Benteke headed Villa level after his initial spot-kick had been saved by Wojciech Szczesny, who had brought down Gabriel Agbonlahor.

Laurent Koscielny was then penalised in the second half for felling Agbonlahor, with Benteke scoring the resultant penalty, before the Arsenal defender was later sent off.

Arsenal 1-3 Aston Villa: Benteke & Luna sink 10-man Gunners

Paul Lambert's men came from behind to earn a damaging opening day win against Arsene Wenger's side who also had to contend with Laurent Koscielny's sending off in the second half

Olivier Giroud had opening the scoring for the Gunners early in the first half but the Benteke levelled from the spot at the second time of asking following Wojciech Szczesny's foul on Gabriel Agbonlahor.

Laurent Koscielny then brought down Agbonlahor in the second half, allowing Benteke to give Villa the lead, before he recieved his second yellow in quick succession to leave the Gunners a man down.

Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert slams scheduling of Chelsea fixture

Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert says the re-scheduling of their match with Chelsea is 'unfair'.

The game has been brought forward to next Wednesday due to Chelsea's involvement in the Super Cup later this month.

Lambert's men therefore face Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool in the opening eight days of the new Premier League season.