Swansea Swansea City
2-2
Aston Villa

Routledge (9'), Graham (90')

FT(HT: 1-1)

Benteke (84' pen.), Weimann (44')

Preview

Paul Lambert hails "big point"

By Liam Power, Reporter | 01 January 2013

Paul Lambert insists that his Aston Villa players deserve credit for drawing 2-2 with Swansea City this afternoon, despite conceding a late equaliser at the Liberty Stadium.

Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert has praised his side for earning a point at Swansea City this afternoon, despite conceding a last-gasp equaliser.

Christian Benteke put Villa ahead at the Liberty Stadium with a second-half penalty, but Danny Graham's late leveller forced the visitors to settle for a point.

Lambert has insisted that his young side will take a lot of positives from their performance against the in-form Swans after a difficult run of festive fixtures.

He told Sky Sports News: "With 30 seconds to go you expect to see it through. First half Swansea were right on top but second half we were very good.

"The goal before half time did change it. We have a lot of injuries so you have to give credit to the players. It is a big point for us. I've got a lot of faith in what we're doing and we won't deviate from it. Even after the heavy defeats we were keeping spirits up.

"It will be a bit happier on the trip home considering what has happened. We took a lot of knocks and kicking today but deserved something from the game."

Villa are now two points clear of the relegation zone, with the 2-2 draw moving them up to 16th in the Premier League.