Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert has admitted that Christian Benteke deserved to be dropped for Saturday's defeat to Chelsea.

The striker, who has scored just three goals this season, had to settle for a place on the bench at Villa Park as the strugglers were beaten 2-1 by Jose Mourinho's side.

Lambert claims that Benteke's underwhelming form in recent weeks was the reason why the Belgian did not make the starting XI.

"It wasn't a hard decision to leave Christian out. His form has dipped, he knows that by his own admission when we spoke," the Scot is quoted as saying by Sky Sports News.

"I expect Christian to take it like any other player and fight their way to get back into the side. I don't think we should leave everything to Christian. It's not his sole responsibility to score goals. I thought his form and general game wasn't up to the level I know he can produce."

Villa are back in action tomorrow night when they travel to fellow strugglers Hull City in the Premier League.