Aston Villa managed a stunning 3-1 win over top four chasing Arsenal on the opening day of the season. The Midlanders were extremely impressive in the match, as they managed to complete a rout of a hapless Arsenal which was not predicted on the sports betting markets.
Villa striker Christian Benteke became the leading goal scorer in the Premier league in 2013 after his two goals against Arsenal. Despite this impressive performance, manager Paul Lambert has asked his players to remain grounded because they have just played only the first match of the season.
Villa struggled against relegation last season and it was only due to the brilliance of Benteke that they were able to stay in the Premier league.
Even then, they did not finish much higher than the relegation zone. Villa may have strengthened in the summer, but this is still a very young squad. However, the last season in the Premier league has given a number of players Premier league experience and Lambert hopes that this will be the difference. Villa will be taking on Chelsea in an away match on Wednesday.
This match has been rearranged the cause of Chelsea's commitment in European competitions. Lambert has slammed the officials by saying that this would not have happened if Villa were a top team as well.
"What it has done it’s given us a great start to the season. That’s basically all it’s done. I don’t look back, last year’s gone. We’ve got a lot of new players and lads who have been here only for a year and are growing into it. Hopefully that belief is there. We’ll have ups and downs, probably like a lot of teams. I know I’ve got a top group of players," said the manager. Lambert managed to convince Christian Benteke that staying at Villa Park was the right decision at this moment.