Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert is grateful to fans for not turning on him.

Supporters have demonstrated great patience with manager Lambert and his crop of new players, who face champions Manchester City at Villa Park tomorrow night.

Lambert said: "They could have turned pretty quickly with the results but they have been excellent.

"You can't keep everybody happy all the time, I understand that, and fans naturally get upset with results. But in general terms, the crowd have been brilliant to me. They have come in their thousands to watch us home and away."