Paul Lambert: Christian Benteke a "victim of his own success"

Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert feels that Christian Benteke has been a "victim of his own success" this season.

The Belgium striker scored 19 goals in 34 appearances for Villa last season, but has so far hit just four in 11, and Lambert thinks that his player is being judged unfairly against his maiden Premier League campaign.

"I'm pretty sure Christian's a victim of his own success but he's created that himself," Lambert told reporters.

"There's nobody he can blame for that other than himself because he set a really high standard for himself and, when you fall below it, that's what can happen.

"The challenge is for him to bounce back."

Teammate Gabriel Agbonlahor has suggested that Benteke will rediscover his form.