Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert is adamant that confidence is still intact at the club, despite their run of six straight defeats in the Premier League.
The Villans had a bright start to the season as they took 10 points from their opening four matches, but Lambert's side have not earned a single point in the top flight since September 13.
However, the Scot is adamant that their poor run of results is due to the quality of teams that they have faced this season.
Lambert told reporters: "We are one of the very few teams that has played the top six. Some teams have only played one. It's not an excuse, it's the way it's worked out. But if the players look at the bigger picture, it's nowhere as bad as what you think it is.
"Look at Sunday against Tottenham, the confidence wasn't lacking. They were well in that game before circumstances (Christian Benteke's sending-off) changed the whole thing.
"In training, the players haven't been a problem – but it's easy to say that. With your own eyes you can see they'll be fine."
Villa are 16th in the Premier League ahead of their clash against West Ham United later today.
Simon Sinclair
