Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert has insisted that he "understands" why the club's fans have been frustrated with the team this season.

Villa secured Premier League survival last Saturday but rather limped over the finish line with just one win and seven defeats in their final nine games of the season, including today's 3-0 loss at the hands of Tottenham Hotspur.

A number of away fans in attendance at White Hart Lane voiced their displeasure at the team's recent performances, and Lambert acknowledged that they had a right to criticise his side.

"It's never nice because the lads have given everything in their body to avoid relegation and get over the line," the Scot told reporters.

"Supporters come a long, long way and pay good money to watch and try to see their team win. You've got to be big enough to take it. They're a young group of players as it is and it'll probably affect even the experienced ones.

"Nobody likes to be criticised, it's human nature, but you come through it and when you do it'll certainly make you stronger. It's not nice to hear but I understand it."

Villa finished the season 15th in the Premier League table, five points clear of the relegation zone.