Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert has admitted that his side were simply not good enough during their 4-1 defeat at Southampton this afternoon.

Two goals from Rickie Lambert helped the Saints come from behind to complete a convincing win after Darren Bent had netted an opener for the visitors.

The Villains boss bemoaned the sloppy goals that his side conceded, but has insisted that they will come back stronger next weekend.

"If you're not bang on at it at this level that's what can happen," Lambert said.

"You pick yourself up and go again. Losing Stephen Ireland to injury was a blow. We thought he had been playing really well, but it was no excuse to lose like that. The goals we lost were really poor."

Villa return to Premier League action against Midlands rivals West Bromwich Albion next weekend.