Southampton have piled the misery on Aston Villa thanks to Rickie Lambert's first-half penalty.

© PA Photos

Defeat condemns the Midlands club to another week in the Premier League's relegation zone.

Both teams attacked from the off, but it was the visitors who came closer to breaking the deadlock.

Jay Rodriguez and Luke Shaw both went close in the opening half-hour, but neither player could direct their efforts on target.

The Saints were on top and were given the chance to break the deadlock when the referee pointed to the penalty spot in the 33rd minute.

Enda Stevens was penalised for bringing down Rodriguez, although replays showed that he made no contact with the striker.

Lambert stepped up and gave Guzan no chance as he dispatched the ball into the top corner of the net. The 30-year-old has now scored all 31 of his penalties - including those taken in shootouts - for the South Coast club.

Villa began the second period brightly but struggled to convert their possession into chances.

Jason Puncheon nearly doubled the Saints' lead in the 71st minute, but saw his shot come back off Brad Guzan's upright.

Nigel Adkins's men held on for a precious three points that puts space between them and the drop zone.