Paul Lambert hails 'outstanding' Aston Villa

Manager Paul Lambert paid tribute to" outstanding" Aston Villa after they won at Stoke City on the opening day of the Premier League season.

Striker Andreas Weimann grabbed the headlines by notching the only goal of the game in the 50th minute, but Lambert insisted the victory was a team effort.

On Villa's first competitive away victory since New Year's Day, he said: "I don't like singling out individuals. But, in terms of the whole team, I thought the back four were outstanding.

"I thought Aly Cissokho, playing his first game for us, was outstanding. I could go through everyone. I thought Gabby Agbonlahor's pace was a threat for the whole game.

"The three lads in the middle of the pitch, their energy was great. The whole team performance was excellent. Really good things - a lot of plusses."