Paul Lambert praises defensive trio

By Michael Penkman, ReporterPublished: 15 December 2012 11:50 PM

Paul Lambert says that his defensive trio of Ciaran Clark, Nathan Baker and Chris Herd were vital to Aston Villa's victory over Liverpool.

Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert has reserved special praise for his three central defenders following today's 3-1 win over Liverpool.

The Villans had won just twice at Anfield in 13 years before today, but Christian Benteke's brace and Andreas Weimann's third goal of the season helped Lambert's men to record three valuable points at Anfield.

The Scot said that Ciaran Clark, Chris Herd and Nathan Baker were vital to his team's victory, while also describing Villa's goals as "world class".

"I know Christian and Andy will get the plaudits because they're the strikers, but we need to pay a special mention to three young lads at the back," Lambert told talkSPORT.

"I'm just delighted with the way the team is performing and delighted for the fans.

"I think you could put anyone with Benteke and you'd love playing with him, because of the way he is, he's a gem of a guy. I thought the goals were world-class goals today."

Villa are now 14th in the Premier League.