Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert has criticised his side's defending after their 2-1 loss at home to Newcastle United.

Hatem Ben Arfa gave the the Magpies the lead in the first half, before Christian Benteke's third goal of the season got the Villains back on level terms.

However, Yoan Gouffran struck just four minutes later to condemn Lambert's side to their third consecutive defeat, and it was his team's defending that frustrated the Scotsman.

"We have to defend better as a team. We don't have a blame culture at this club but we must do better as a team," Lambert told Sky Sports Newsafter the game.

"When we equalised we were on top, but the second goal is a terrible one to give away. We were also luck to be only one goal down at half time.

"Going forward we will always try and create but you can't give sides a start like that."

Villa's next match sees them take on Norwich City at Carrow Road.