Aston Villa boss hails hard work at the back

Boss Paul Lambert has praised Aston Villa's new-look defence after they made it successive clean sheets to start the Premier League season.

Saturday's 0-0 draw with Newcastle followed an opening-day 1-0 success at Stoke City.

Villa are yet to concede a goal this season, with new signings Philippe Senderos and Aly Cissokho, and the back-in-favour Alan Hutton all impressing.

And Lambert said: "We have been tougher.

"That's a great testament not only to the back five but also the midfield lads who are putting one hell of a shift in."

Lambert was particularly delighted with the performance of Cissokho, whose signing raised plenty of eyebrows when his move from Valencia was completed just before the start of the season.

"I thought Aly Cissokho was outstanding," Lambert continued. "Aly was that good they had to put their own Sissoko on the right side to try and stop him because he was that powerful.

"Alan was excellent the whole game.

"It's great for ourselves, Alan himself and Scotland too, who have a game coming up against Germany. He is in excellent form."

Villa host Hull next Sunday.