Lambert eyes survival after Villa down Reading
Paul Lambert believes Aston Villa have taken a huge step towards
ensuring their Premier League status for another season after Gabriel
Agbonlahor's stunning strike clinched a 2-1 win over fellow strugglers
Reading at the Madejski Stadium.
The victory lifted Villa out of the bottom three as they seek to
avoid relegation for the first time since 1987, with another crucial
clash to come at home to QPR next week.
Christian Benteke's equaliser less than two minutes after a
disastrous own goal from Nathan Baker gifted Reading the lead was vital
as Brian McDermott's side slipped to a sixth successive defeat in all
competitions.
But it was England international Agbonlahor who settled a tense clash
with a fine finish in first half stoppage-time and Lambert is confident
his players can build on the momentum in another vital showdown against
QPR next weekend.
"It was a massive game, a big pressure game and everybody knew that,"
Lambert said.
"There was a long way to go when Nathan scored the own goal but the
players kept on fighting and I thought we deserved the victory.
"I thought the move for Gabby's goal was brilliant and the finish was
just world-class.
"The performances he's turned in have been big, big performances for
us. The players don't look like a team that's lacking in confidence
that's for sure. "Our crowd were absolutely fantastic. They were right
behind us driving us on so they'll come next Saturday full of support
for us which we're going to need. If we keep doing what we're doing,
we'll be alright."
Reading started strongly but wasted two great opportunities to take
an early lead through Adam Le Fondre and Hal Robson-Kanu.
AFP
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