Gabriel Agbonlahor pounced to score the only goal of the game from close range in the ninth minute before some resolute defending kept the home side at bay.

Philippe Senderos and Nathan Baker, who was brought in for injured captain Ron Vlaar, were superb at the heart of the defense.

Lambert thought his side was thoroughly worth their win which has seen them move up to second in Premier League.

Despite having one shot on target, Senderos missed a golden chance to put the midlands club two goals to the good as he was off-target with a free header.

From there Lambert's side was on the back foot, but he was delighted with their efforts as he told Sky Sports: "I thought the lads thoroughly deserved it.

"The first half we were outstanding, I thought we could have had a couple more.

"Second half we had to weather a storm but as a group, from Gabby right back to (goalkeeper Brad) Guzan, defensively we were outstanding."

Unbeaten Villa has now won three of their opening four league fixtures and Lambert hopes the run can continue.

"Football sometimes has a really bad habit of kicking you somewhere, but you just keep going," he added.

"There's no magic formula, the lads have got a great bit of belief and they've got a great desire to win games."