Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert has praised his side following their tough start to the season, with his team having endured a difficult run of games in the opening exchanges of the Premier League.

Villa got off to a great start having beaten Arsenal 3-1 on the opening day of the season and have since faced the likes of Chelsea, Manchester City and Liverpool.

"The thing for us is that in our start to the season we've played five of the top six which is an incredible thing to come through," said Lambert according to Sky Sports News.

"You need a bit of respite at certain times from that. You can't keep going like that.

"The only one we haven't played yet is Manchester United so when you look at it like that, our points tally is pretty decent."

Villa currently sit 13th in the Premier League table, with Lambert's side preparing to face Everton at the weekend.