Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert was delighted with the performances of Christian Benteke and Ron Vlaar during Wednesday's 1-0 win at Sunderland.
Vlaar's appearance at the Stadium of Light saw the defender feature for Villa for the first time since December 4, while Benteke returned after missing three games with a calf injury.
Lambert believes that the duo played a vital role in securing his side's first victory in six matches.
"I thought we played really well and it could have been more," Lambert told Sky Sports News. "Even in the first half we had some really good chances. It could have been three or four.
"We've been without a couple of big players with Benteke and Vlaar coming back. [Match-winner Gabriel] Agbonlahor has been missing at times. [Fabian] Delph has been missing. We needed those big players back. When you lose Benteke and Vlaar, that's a big chunk of your side. It's been hard. After the criticism of late, that [win] was well justified.
"We have found it hard to cope with those injuries, but when we've got everybody fit we're a really good side. I'm delighted as it's a hard place to come and they're fighting for their lives."
Villa's win at Sunderland means that, after 10 rounds of fixtures, only Arsenal, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Everton have earned more points away from home in the Premier League this season.
Robert Summerscales
