We'll bounce back says Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert

The claret and blues were hammered 4-1 at home yesterday in their heaviest league defeat of the season.

It was also their ninth league loss of the campaign at Villa Park and denied them a third straight home win for the first time in seven years.

The capitulation came just a week after a 1-0 win over Premier League leaders Chelsea but Lambert insisted they will hit back.

He said: "I never look at it and think we have achieved anything. As quick as you win it you let it go and it's the same as a defeat and a draw.

"You pick yourself up and go again. They are a young group and will bounce back from it, as long as it never manifests and there's negativity about the place.

"You get hurt and knocked down and you get back up and want more."

Christian Benteke's early opener gave Villa the perfect start before they fell apart in the first half.

Three goals in 20 minutes from Peter Odemwingie, Peter Crouch and Steven N'Zonzi handed Stoke a 3-1 lead at the break before Geoff Cameron capped a deserved win with a late fourth.

And Lambert moved to defend his team after Stoke claimed their first win at Villa Park since 1988.

He said: "You play teams like Chelsea and it's different, the expectancy level isn't on you. Everything is different. Playing teams around about you it becomes different. It was unlike us but sometimes it can happen.

"You can be a bit lethargic and your legs aren't talking to you.

"It wasn't like Nathan (Baker) and Ron (Vlaar), they have been playing really well of late. Peter Crouch is a really good player and has a good touch. We were second best."

Karim El Ahmadi (thigh) and Andi Weimann (dead leg) also suffered injuries with Lambert hopeful they will be fit for Saturday's trip to Manchester United.

He added: "Andi's got a dead leg and Karim suffered a little strain. The two lads had been playing really well for us but it's still no excuse."